The View from Pompey's Head (film)

The film was based on a novel published in 1954. The novel took several years to write.[4]

Reviews were, on the whole, superb. The New York Times praised it as a book of "controlled art and distinction".[5]

The book became a best seller.[6] A copy of it was on the bedside of Serge Rubinstein when he was discovered murdered.[7]

Film rights were purchased by 20th Century Fox in November 1954 for a reported $100,000. Fox head of production Darryl F. Zanuck said "It's a terrible title, but the rave notices of the book and the distinguished manner of writing make this much more than an everage suspense story."[8] Julian Blaustein was assigned to produce, Phillip Dunne to write and direct. Zanuck wanted Gregory Peck to star.[9]

Blaustein resigned from Fox in December.[10] Dunne took over as producer.

Peck did not end up appearing in the film. Fox tried to borrow Glenn Ford but he was under contract to MGM who would not loan him out.[11] Dunne ended up casting studio star Richard Egan. Because Egan was busy on Seven Cities of Gold filming on Head was pushed back to June 2.[12]

"I wrote it for Bill Holden and Audrey Hepburn", said Dunne later. "Both were busy elsewhere. I had to make it with Richard Egan and Dana Wynter, who are just as good actors but lacked sex appeal. Making movies is a matter of making compromises."[13]