Troma had the film cut to gain an "R" rating, then shipped the unrated print to theaters telling them it was the R rated version. This was discovered when a woman allegedly complained after taking a very young child to see the movie. Eventually the MPAA sued Troma for improper use of the copyrighted "Rated R" logo.
The brains in the infamous brain sucking scene were made out of oatmeal.
Originally titled "The Incredible Torture Show." Troma re-named it "Blood Sucking Freaks" for its 1980s re-release.
This film was frequently the subject of protests by Women Against Pornography during its theatrical run in the U.S.
According to director Joel M. Reed, the script was inspired by a real nude S&M ballet company and by the films Ilsa: Die Hündinnen vom Liebeslager 7 (1975) and Ilsa Haremwächterin des Ölscheichs (1976).