Romulus became one of the most significant English production companies of the time. They made several films with producer Daniel Angel and helped turn Laurence Harvey, who they had under contract, into a star. In the mid-50s they formed a partnership with Korda, helping him to finance his films including "Richard III" (1955). By 1959, they estimated their movies had earned more than £3million overseas. John Woolf became interested in "Room at the Top" after seeing an interview conducted by Woodrow Wyatt with the novel's author John Braine on "Panorama" on 8 April 1957. He bought a copy of the book the next day, and quickly purchased the film rights.