It was based on a short story by Robert Graves and adapted for the screen by Skolimowski and Michael Austin.

Crossley (Alan Bates), a mysterious travelling man, invades the lives of a young couple, Rachel and Anthony Fielding (Susannah York and John Hurt).

[2] Interiors were shot at Pinewood Studios; the film's sets were designed by the art director Simon Holland.

The North Devon coastline, specifically Saunton Sands and Braunton Burrows, was used for the bulk of the location shooting.

The producer, Jeremy Thomas, later remembered his experience making the film, Because I had a great director, and a quality piece of literature, I managed to get a wonderful cast such as John Hurt and Alan Bates.