Paul Newman (Lucas 'Luke' Jackson), George Kennedy (Dragline), J.D. Cannon (Society Red), Lou Antonio (Koko), Strother Martin (Captain), Morgan Woodward (Boss Godfrey), Dennis Hopper (Babalugats), Jo Van Fleet (Arletta, Lukes Mutter), Robert Drivas (Loudmouth Steve), Ralph Waite (Alibi), Rance Howard (Sheriff), Luke Askew (Boss Paul), Robert Donner (Boss Shorty), Charles Tyner (Boss Higgins), John McLiam (Boss Keen), Harry Dean Stanton (Landstreicher), Anthony Zerbe (Dog Boy), Buck Kartalian (Dynamite), Joe Don Baker (Fixer), Clifton James (Carr), Wayne Rogers (Spieler), Joy Harmon (Lucille, das Mädchen), Norman Goodwins (Dumme Blondine), Kim Kahana (Sträfling), Warren Finnerty (Tattoo), Marc Cavell (Rabbitt), Richard Davalos (Blind Dick), Cyril 'Chips' Robinson (Ben), Donn Pearce (Matrose)