Levin's sprawling 1976 techno-thriller was brought to the screen two years later, with a top-tier cast helmed by Laurence Olivier and Gregory Peck (though Levin was quite enthused about the early prospect of George C. Scott appearing opposite Olivier).

Gregory Peck told Parade magazine in 1978 that he chose to play his first "heavy" role in 35 years – the monstrous real-life Josef Mengele – for two reasons: “One, because it was an opportunity to remind people of the Nazi holocaust; and two, because it's a plum role, a bravura role of spectacular proportions.”

Appearing in assorted cameos were such notables as Uta Hagen, Rosemary Harris (who'd previously appeared in Levin's 1958 stage play Interlock), Prunella Scales (Fawlty Towers), and comedy great Anne Meara.

In 1976, ITC Entertainment president Abe Mandell had this to say about the then-upcoming film:  “Franklin Schaffner has got to be the most important director in the world. He has his choice – there are 30 films he could do, and he has selected “The Boys from Brazil” as his next project. It’s written by Ira Levin who did “Rosemary’s Baby” – it’s a unique story with the most fantastic twist. And to this we’ll add the dimension of a fine director and major, major stars. Now you’ve got an important package. How it’ll turn out, God knows, but it won’t be for lack of trying.”

The film turned out quite well indeed, garnering multiple Oscar nominations, including ones for Laurence Olivier's portrayal of the Nazi hunter Liebermann, and Jerry Goldsmith's bombastic musical score (considered among the Planet of the Apes composer's finest).

For more on the The Boys from Brazil, please consult our novel page.

• Years before Jurassic Park, The Boys from Brazil presented cloning as a terrifying possibility (SyFy.com)
• An Interview With Ira Levin’s Son As ‘The Boys From Brazil’ Turns 48 (Forbes)

• The original film was almost remade in 2006
• 1976 co-star Jeremy Black was, coincidentally, the Levin family's next-door neighbor, years earlier