'David Agnew' is a pseudonym for author David Fisher, script editor Douglas Adams and producer Graham Williams, who collaborated to write the script for City of Death. Douglas Adams' contribution is especially apparent in the humour and dialogue. The serial was broadcast on BBC1 in four parts between 29 September and 20 October 1979, during a strike by rival broadcaster ITV. As a consequence, it received exceptionally high ratings, with the final episode attaining a record audience of over 16 million. City of Death was the first serial to film on location in Paris - previously, all filming had taken place in the UK. It is also notable for featuring cameo appearances by well-known actors John Cleese and Eleanor Bron.