The phenomenally successful novel was arguably the landmark text of the Beat Generation, and it should come as no surprise that a film adaptation has been in the offing since day one. Warner Bros were the first studio to make an approach, offering $110,000 to purchase the rights to the property. Kerouac couldn't believe his luck, only for his agent, Sterling Lord, to reject the offer in the hope of more money. Sadly for him, none was forthcoming.

Not to be put off, Kerouac decided to get things moving himself, sending a letter to Marlon Brando in 1957, outlining his plan to adapt the novel himself. "Dear Marlon," began the letter. "I'm praying that you'll buy On The Road and make a movie out of it. Don't worry about structure; I know how to compress and rearrange the plot a bit… making it into one all-inclusive trip instead of the several voyages coast-to-coast in the book. You play Dean and I'll play Sal… Come on now Marlon, put up your dukes and write!" Brando never replied…