Depp plays a debauched 17th Century poet in The Libertine

The Manx government offered the island as a production base after changes in UK tax laws left the future of the project in doubt.

Stephen Jeffreys, who wrote both the stage play and film, said the 2004 changes "almost destroyed" it.

The Libertine, starring Johnny Depp as the 17th Century poet John Wilmot, opened across the UK on Friday.

Backer withdrew

"The film was almost destroyed by changes to the tax laws until the Isle of Man stepped in and saved it," Mr Jeffreys said.

Morton stars opposite Johnny Depp in The Libertine

He said co-star John Malkovich had been filming on the Isle of Man at the same time for a film called Colour Me Kubrick.

"They had a major funder drop out so it wasn't made, but the Manx government said we could film The Libertine there," said Mr Jeffreys.

The Libertine has been nominated for eight British Independent Film Awards, including best actor for Depp.

The actor stars as the 17th Century Earl of Rochester, who received posthumous acclaim after living a debauched life.