In 1802, lawyer Albion Hamlin travels from Baltimore to Cap François in Haiti. He wants to obtain the signature of Lydia Bailey, whose late father left his large estate to the United States government, who needs the money. Haiti is in turmoil because Napoleon Bonaparte is trying to reclaim control of the island. Albion heard that Lydia will be with her fiancé, Col. Gabriel D'Autremont. Albion is shocked when his young guide, Nero, is killed by men trying to steal his luggage. Albion learns that the D'Autremonts are living at their country chateau inland. He is knocked unconscious, and wakes up to find out he was knocked out by King Dick, an educated man who supports Toussaint L'Ouverture.
The novel was Roberts' first since Olivier Wiswell in 1940. It was published in January 1947. The New York Times called it "an entertaining chronicle" with a "preposterous plot". The book became a best seller.
Development
20th Century Fox first obtained the rights to Kenneth Robert's novel in September 1946, prior to the book being published. They paid $215,000 for a ten-year "lease" on the novel. Fox representatives said they had not even read the book, basing their sale on Roberts' reputation and an outline. William Perlberg was assigned to be producer. The following month that job was given to Sol Siegel. Gene Tierney was the first star announced. Filming was pushed back after the British government introduced a tax on Hollywood films. This meant the loss of profits in England, which would be crucial in what would be an expensive movie.. In April 1948 the project was reactivated, with plans to make the movie using "frozen" funds owed to Fox in England and the Bahamas. In June Fox announced that Philip Dunne was writing a screenplay, and Linda Darnell would likely play the title role. However filming did not proceed. By May 1949Susan Hayward, who had signed to Fox, was being mentioned as a star. In September Zanuck said the film would go into production "shortly". In February 1950 Fox said Tyrone Power would play the male lead. Plans t film in Haiti were delayed by disturbances in that part of the world. In November Jules Shernberg was appointed producer. Micheline Prelle was announced as star. In June 1951 Power refused the role. Power said he had filmed five historical-period films in a row and wished to do a film where "people talk normally and not in stilted dialogue." Errol Flynn claimed he was slapped in a bar by Canadian millionaire Duncan McMartin which he said aggravated a spinal injury and meant he was unable to take part in the film. He sued McMartin in the Bahamas Supreme Court for £80,000, which included his reported fee for Lydia Bailey, $200,000. The court awarded Flynn $14,000 in damages. The lead was given to one of Fox's postwar contract players, Dale Robertson. Another contractee, Anne Francis, played Lydia. Jean Negulesco signed to direct it under a new four-year deal with Fox.
