 Gould asked Arkin to direct (he had never directed a feature before but had directed two short films and had extensive theatre experience as a director).Arkin was reluctant to return to the material but was persuaded after a series of meetings with Feiffer

In March 1970 Arkin was announced as director.Gould manage to sell the film to Richard Zanuck, head of Fox, who had made "MASH" and "Move" with Gould.