In the film's story, it is alluded to that 19-year old Joanna (Susan George) is the illegitimate daughter from an affair 20 years earlier between Joe (Cliff Robertson) and Ann (Vanessa Redgrave). The name "Joanna" is a form of hybrid of the character names of "Joe" and "Anne".
This motion picture has also been known by the title of "Winter Rates" which was the name of the un-produced stage play upon which this film is based.
Actress Susan George was twenty-five years of age when she appeared in this film portraying a character Joanna who was a lot younger.