The book the film was based on was showcased many different characters - none of which were the "focus" of the story. Writer/director James B. Harris originally wrote his first draft of the screenplay around the book, but soon discovered that the character of Frank "Fast-Walking" Minniver was the most interesting and unique and decided to make him the central role.
Writer/producer/director James B. Harris was working with famed director Don Siegel on the 1977 Charles Bronson thriller "Telefon", and offered him the script as a directing gig. Siegel declined.
In Europe, the film was released in several territories under the book's title "The Rap".
Due to the indifferent release the film suffered, "Fast-Walking" was not seen outside the US for a couple of years. In some territories, it was re-titled "The Rap", which is the name of the book it is based on.