In addition, several cast members – including Fonda, Genn, More, Steiger and Todd – saw action as servicemen during the war Todd was among the first British officers to land in Normandy in, and he participated in the assault on. Many of these actors played roles that were essentially. The Longest Day, which was made in black and white, features a large including, and. It was directed by (British and French exteriors), (American exteriors), and (German scenes). The screenplay was by Ryan, with additional material written by, David Pursall and Jack Seddon. The film was produced by, who paid author Ryan $175,000 for the film rights. The Longest Day is a 1962 based on 's 1959 book (1959), about the landings at Normandy on June 6, 1944, during.