Although Chayefsky wished only to do original screenplays, he was persuaded by producer Martin Ransohoff to adapt the William Bradford Huie novel "The Americanization of Emily." The novel dealt with interservice rivalries prior to the Normandy landings during World War II, with a love story at the center of the plot. Chayefsky agreed to adapting the novel but only if he could fundamentally change the story. He made the title character more sophisticated, but refusing to be "Americanized" by accepting material goods.