Complex sentence: In the 1980s, Raucher sold the film rights to the book for $250,000; the movie was never made, but because the studio retained the rights, Raucher was allowed to keep the money.
Split into simpler sentences: In the 1980s, Raucher sold the film rights to the book for $250,000. The movie was never made, but because the studio retained the rights Raucher was allowed to keep the money.