Although Lehman was originally assigned to direct the film, he dropped out due to health reasons.The film""s quotable dialogue (extensively contributed by Odets) of the metropolitan locale is corrosively rich, slang-filled, sharply intelligent, and fast-paced, while the superb, crisp, low-key lighting of the black and white cinematography from veteran James Wong Howe emphasizes the harsh shadows and dark, unglamorous recesses of the corrupt and seamy environment of wheeling and dealing." To defend her when Chang forced himself on her, Captain Harvey broke into the room, punched Chang in the face and knocked him down to the floor." As the meeting commenced, Admiral Marcus explained the London terrorist attack, and the retaliatory response against rogue Starfleet Commander John Harrison, who was responsible and was deliberately fomenting a war against Starfleet:By now, some of you have heard what happened in London.Maria begs her to lower the neckline one more inch on her dress, as she slightly pulls down on her own bodice ("How much can one little inch do?").