After the success of the book, Geoffrey Shurlock of the Production Code Administration (PCA) sent a letter to Jack Warner stating that “the property violated the spirit and letter of the Code.” Shurlock’s office wrote to Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures to caution them against the property. Although the studios had not yet formally inquired about it, Buddy Adler, Frank McCarthy and Dore Schary were interested in producing the film. After a bidding war, Warner purchased the film rights for $300,000 (equivalent to $ in 2021).
After the book's success, Geoffrey Shurlock from the Production Code Administration (PCA) notified Jack Warner that the property violated the code.  Shurlock's office then warned Paramount Pictures, Columbia Pictures and Universal Pictures about the property. Despite not formally inquiring yet, Buddy Adler, Frank McCarthy and Dore Schary expressed interest in producing the film. After a bidding war, Warner acquired the film rights for $300,000 (which is equivalent to $ in 2021).