First Edition (stated). ALFRED A. KNOPF, NY 1969. The book was made into a movie that was directed by Robert Wise. THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN is a novel about a team of scientists investigating a deadly virus of extraterrestrial origin. The novel was the basis for the 1971 motion picture adaptation of the same name (directed by Robert Wise and starring Arthur Hill, James Olson, Kate Reid, and David Wayne). The adaptation for the screen was done by Nelson Gidding. Crichton shot to international stardom on the heels of the film's success.