In 1986, Olivia Hussey met producers for Roxanne (1987), since they were interested in casting her for the title role. Steve Martin met her and said "Oh my God, Olivia, you were in one of my all-time favorite films." Hussey was surprised to find out it was actually this film. Martin claimed he had seen it around 27 times.
The film's television debut, under the title "Stranger in the House," was scheduled for January 28, 1978, on NBC. On January 15th, 1978, two female students at Florida State University were murdered by an assailant who broke into the sorority house where they lived. Three other young women in the area were attacked and assaulted. Local affiliates implored NBC to pull the film. After the network said they would offer local affiliates an alternate movie, they decided to show Doc Savage arrive! (1975) instead. NBC broadcast "Stranger in the House" as a late movie on May 14th, 1978. The perpetrator of the crimes at Florida State University was later identified as serial killer Ted Bundy.
The film is regarded as one of the first slasher films. It set the layout for films such as La Nuit des masques (1978). However, Bob Clark considered it to be more of a psychological horror film.
The film had moderate box office success and negative critical reception when originally released, but gained a large cult following. It is now considered a classic.