It was directed by John Frankenheimer with a screenplay by Nicholas Mosley based on his own novel.

It was screened at the 1973 Cannes Film Festival, but was not entered into the main competition.

[3] However, Losey had difficulty financing the film and later fell out with Mosley over The Assassination of Trotsky.

[4] Principal photography for this movie was delayed until Dominique Sanda gave birth to her son (in April 1972).

Mosley also won for best screenplay and composer Michel Legrand for his film score.