David Seltzer first wrote the script in 1979 based on his experiences frequenting comedy clubs.
Howard Zieff was attached to direct. When Zieff dropped out, the project was forgotten. In 1986,
Daniel Melnick found the screenplay in a Columbia Pictures vault and wanted to revive the project. It was originally intended to be a small budget film with no stars but the studio sent the script to
Sally Field. When she agreed to star in and produce the film, the budget was raised and
Tom Hanks was cast.
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