Sam Spiegel brought Lillian Hellman into the project, but had her script rewritten. He then refused to show her a final cut before the film's release. He was also responsible for signing the then relatively unknown Robert Redford as Bubber, and lighting cameraman Joseph LaShelle, who replaced Robert Surtees after he dropped out due to illness. The Academy Award-winning Lashelle and director Arthur Penn, who was not consulted by Spiegel, did not have a harmonious working relationship, which Penn thought hurt the film. Later, Spiegel did not allow Penn to edit the film himself, which Penn believed ruined the rhythm of the film, which he had wanted to suggest hysteria. Penn has disowned the film. Released with great expectations due to all the talent involved, this film proved to be a critical and financial disappointment and signaled the beginning of the end of Spiegel's success as a film producer. Many years later, Michael Schlesinger, then the head of Columbia's Repertory Division, encountered Penn and asked if he'd like to re-edit the film back to his original vision. Penn appreciated the offer but said the entire experience had been too painful and he'd rather just leave it behind him.

Film

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