The film was based on the play of the same name, written by British playwright John Osborne. The play was produced in 1957, and the first performance was given on 10 April 1957 at the Royal Court Theatre with Laurence Olivier in the leading role of Archie Rice. Osborne wrote the play at Olivier's request. Osborne's 1956 play "Look Back in Anger" was adapted into a film in 1959, directed by Tony Richardson, and starred Richard Burton in the leading role. Osborne, with Nigel Kneale, wrote the screenplay for the film.