 The film is based on an original screenplay by David Seidler who also used to stutter as a child until age 16.Another notable case was that of British Prime Minister Winston Churchill.Churchill claimed, perhaps not directly discussing himself, that "[s]ometimes a slight and not unpleasing stammer or impediment has been of some assistance in securing the attention of the audience..." However, those who knew Churchill and commented on his stutter believed that it was or had been a significant problem for him.