Anton Karas asked a stunned Karas if he would compose the music for the film. Karas protested, saying he had never actually written music. As Karas later told the story, the director insisted and invited Karas to England. The Austrian became homesick and asked to be allowed to return. Reed told him he could—as soon as he had written the music. Under this pressure Karas wrote his Harry Lime theme. The film—with the music a contributing factor—was a gigantic success, and Karas' life was changed drastically. As a result, he toured all over the world and performed for many celebrities, among them
Alexander Korda he had previously directed in the United States. He collaborated with several figures who would contribute to his future success in Britain. Korda was offered a series of scripts, all of which he disliked, before he finally agreed to make "The Princess and the Plumber" (1930). Korda's reluctance to make the film led to his conflict with studio bosses, which brought to an end his first period in Hollywood. Korda went to France where he made "The Men Around Lucy" (1931) for Paramount. He also made "Rive gauche" (1931). Korda had a success with "Marius" (1931) starring Raimu from the