Miller gave him a copy of the book .
In February 1972 , William Frye , a Universal City Studios television producer , read the Reader 's Digest version and contacted Miller and told him he thought it would make a good made - for - television film .
Miller gave William Frye a copy of the book .
In February 1972 , William Frye , a Universal City Studios television producer , read the Reader 's Digest version and contacted Miller and told him he thought it would make a good made - for - television film .