 In July 1967 it was announced that James Clavell, then enjoying success with the release of the film "To Sir With Love" and the book "Tai-Pan", would adapt the book into a screenplay and direct a film adaptation for the Mirisch Corporation.In November 1968 it was announced Clavell would make the film for ABC Pictures.The head of ABC was Martin Baum who was Clavell's agent and who had helped put together "To Sir, with Love".