Pedro Almodóvar's first film to have a proper producer and be made for a proper film company, rather than be made on the hoof like his previous projects. Almodóvar has since distanced himself from the film as he felt that he had to bow to commercial considerations.
Alicia Hermida was offered the role of Sor Rata de Callejón, but her schedule didn't allow her to do it. Once Pedro Almodóvar knew this, he gave the part to Chus Lampreave, who previously had a smaller role.