Trivia

According to Terence Stamp, the film was mostly improvised and first takes were always used. Two cameras filmed simultaneously to capture the spontaneity of the performances.

First feature film directed by Ken Loach.

In Steven Soderbergh's thriller L'Anglais (1999), flashbacks involving the main character played by Terence Stamp are scenes from 'Poor Cow'.

The film debut of Malcolm McDowell, although the only scene he appears in was cut out.

Director Ken Loach briefed his actors separately, often with conflicting information. For example, in the improvised scene where Joy throws stew over Dave, Terence Stamp was not expecting it, so Carol White's reaction was genuine.