Al Pacino wanted to reprise his role of Walter "Teach" Cole for this film, but his schedule, which included films such as Carlito's Way (1993), Heat (1995), Two Bits (1995), and Looking for Richard (1996), had consumed most of his time along with Broadway shows. The producers of this movie could no longer wait for him to reprise the role, and Dustin Hoffman was hired to take his place.
Dustin Hoffman was fifty-six years old at the time took this role and the part of Walter "Teach" Cole was that of a forty-year-old as played by Al Pacino, with ambition. Hoffman's version is more of an older, tired, and frustrated Teach.
The Times Square Restaurant in Pawtucket, Rhode Island was renamed the "Riverside Diner" to fit the script of this film. As of 2010, it is still called the "Riverside Diner", although the elaborate neon marquee that stood on the building several years after filming has been replaced by a simpler sign.
The building in which the movie was filmed, was demolished along with several others in 1997, to make room for a pharmacy and fast food store.
The play was first performed and originally opened at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Illinois on November 23, 1975. Bernard Erhard played Teach, J.J. Johnston played Don, and William H. Macy played Bobby. Al Pacino also played Teach on Broadway between 1981-1984.