Richard Beckinsale was originally cast to play Detective Ritchie in this film. Tragically, he died during filming. His character was re-cast and the scenes re-shot, although he can still be occasionally glimpsed in long-shot according to director Stephen Frears.
While in production, the film's title changed from "One Joke Too Many" to "Red Saturday," before it was finally changed to the title "Bloody Kids."
Originally the film was due to be shown on ITV in September 1979, but was effected by the 11 week strike at ITV which caused the film's transmission to be postponed until 23rd March 1980.