Though the film was a failure upon release in theaters, its subsequent airings on television helped to gain it a cult following. It was frequently shown on television due to the fact that the film featured little profanity or violence.
During the Breather's phone call to the babysitter in the beginning of the film, the phone's number plate is clearly visible. Instead of the standard fake movie "555" area code, we can see "713-270-5544." This is the current actual phone number for the Athletic Sports Bar in Houston, Texas.
Producer Michael Ritchie had his named removed from the film's credits so as not to run into trouble from the striking writer's guild. A persistent rumor was that Ritchie co-directed the film as well, but this has never been verified.
Sara Eckhardt plays Patti the Prom Queen. She is no longer an actress. She is a judge.
The film was funded by Paramount because of the writers strike that was going on in 1981. The studio wanted to put out as many non-union films as possible during the strike.