The film performed below expectations at the UK box-office despite being a Christmas release, However it did happen to have the enormous bad luck of opening at UK cinemas the week before the record breaking Star Wars (1977) opened in the UK. However it did better abroad in places like Australia the following year where it managed to avoid clashing with any of the big family orientated theatrical releases.
The British Board of Film Censors gave this film a 'U' (suitable for all) certificate on December 8th 1977.
The sets at Pinewood studios were initially left standing, as an immediate sequel was intended but this was quickly abandoned when the film flopped critically and commercially.
David Tomlinson was, reportedly, very unhappy on this film. There is no mention of it in his autobiography, other than in the 'filmography' at the end.
The house for sale sign: £399,999 in 1977, is worth £3,175,992.06 in 2025 values. (per Google)