The film was written by Charles Dyer, adapted from his own stage play.

The original play was a two-hander, first starring Sheila Hancock as Cyrenne.

Charles Dyer wrote himself a small part in the film, that of one of Percy's workmates, Chalky. He had an old friend from repertory theatre, Hugh Futcher, cast as one of the other friends, Ozzie. As an actor Dyer had used his middle rather than first name: Raymond.

The sub-storyline that reveals Cyrenne to have been abused as a youngster is semi-autobiographical from director Muriel Box's input.