The producers struggled to find a suitable director for this project. Comedian Mel Smith had just finished filming his directorial debut The Tall Guy (1989) and was asked if he would be interested in this film but as he was new to directing at the time he felt uncomfortable directing a period piece at that stage of his career. He did however say he would be interested in doing a straight acting role if they wanted him in the film so when Richard Harris dropped out of the lead role the producers asked him if he would like to step in.
Lionel Jeffries had shown an interest in directing a filmed version of the novel back in the 1970s with Bernard Cribbins and possibly Lynne Frederick in major roles but after the box office failure of The Water Babies in 1978 the plans never came to fruition.
The role played by Mel Smith was originally offered to Richard Harris.
Film debut of Stuart Orme, who had only directed pop music videos for Phil Collins and Level 42, and some television, prior to this. When Mel Smith became attached to the project he suggested Orme as a possible director as he knew him through a mutual friend, Oscar winning actress Emma Thompson.
Last theatrically released film with cinematography done by British veteran Paul. Beedon.