Guide, based on a novel by RK Narayan was made in two versions in 1965 – the Hindi one was directed by Dev Anand’s brother Vijay Anand and the Hollywood one by Tad Danielewski. American novelist Pearl S. Buck, a Nobel laureate, co-produced the English movie with Dev Anand and wrote its script.

The English version had an alternative title, Survival. The idea was to introduce Dev Anand to English-speaking audiences.

Although the Hindi version, co-starring Waheeda Rehman, is considered a Bollywood landmark, the English one has rarely been publicly seen in India, having been withdrawn hastily after its US release spawned indifferent reviews.

The English version was actually the first one that was shot, and it is faithful to the adult theme of the book, which deals with adultery.

After it flopped at the US box-office, Dev Anand decided to remake it in Hindi but watered down the adult content of the original novel. Vijay Anand was so shocked to read the original script, he is said to have twice turned down the offer to direct it before finally relenting.

Dev Anand, who has acted in 125 films and directed 36, has spoken elsewhere of the challenge of making a movie on adultery in 1960s India.