In the novel, Fowler arranges the death of Pyle (called only The American in this film version) because of how Pyle is meddling in Vietnam's affairs and causing the deaths of innocent civilians by creating his "third force," an American-backed army to fight the Communists. The political climate at the time did not allow these elements to be shown in the 1958 film. Instead, the romantic rivalry between The American and Fowler for Phuong was played up and this was made the cause of Fowler's act. Moreover, a final scene was added in which we learn that Fowler has been hoodwinked by the Communists into destroying The American, who is, in reality, a noble man trying to bring hope and freedom to Indochina. Graham Greene was incensed by this change and denounced the film.