Many reviewers noted that James Caan seemed miscast in the role of comedian Eddie Sparks (a caricature of Bob Hope) and wondered why co-star George Segal, who, as an actor, had proved equally adept at comedy and drama, wasn't cast in the role instead. The truth is that Caan's career was hot again after the success of Misery (1990), and Segal was not, so Caan got the lead, and Segal the supporting role.
Many of the U.S. Marines from Camp Pendleton, California, were going to be used as extras in some scenes. Unfortunately, Operation Desert Storm started, and many of them had to be shipped to the Middle East. Producers had to hire clean-cut civilians to fill the ranks.
After the release of the movie, Martha Raye claimed publicly that the character Bette Midler portrayed was plagiarized from her own career, and especially the efforts she had made during several wars. Raye sought compensation in court, but after hearing the evidence of both sides, the judge decided that Raye did not have a case.
Uncredited movie debut of Vince Vaughn.
In interviews after the movie, James Caan reported that working with Bette Midler, for him, was a complete nightmare.