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
Paul Korda Chris Spedding and Andy Roberts. "Passing Stranger" also featured a trio of vocalists in African-American soul singer Doris Troy, Nanette Newman, and Madeline Bell. Cat Stevens and Korda became close friends, both being signed to producer Mike Hurst. Steve (Steven Adam Georgiou), as he was known then, loaned his Mercedes to Korda for Korda's wedding, and his brother David was Korda's best man. In between recording sessions Steve and Korda would often check out the London nightlife together. Korda went on to place his songs with other artists. In 1971 Korda's song "Walk the World Away" was recorded by reggae