Anecdotes

According to Kathleen Turner, Anthony Perkins would sniff a form of nitrate before each take.

Composer Rick Wakeman's soundtrack is based entirely on Antonín Dvorák's "From the New World" Symphony. This was partly an in-joke on the releasing company who were similarly named New World Pictures, and also partially as the film's director Ken Russell's "take" on America.

Kathleen Turner was initially hesitant about Ken Russell's suggestion that she smear yogurt over her lips to simulate semen. She complied with his request but drew the line at gulping down an oyster to emulate swallowing ejaculate.

Anthony Perkins was ordained as a priest as part of his research for his role.

Alec Baldwin and Patrick Swayze auditioned for the role of Bobby Grady which in the end was cast with John Laughlin.

Rick Wakeman: the film's composer as a wedding photographer.