Richard Dreyfuss claims to have no memory of making this film. This was a side effect to his heavy drug use during the early 1980s.
Richard Dreyfuss was considerably ill during most of the shoot. He would only be able to film at least 2 to 3 hours at most and would be sent home for the rest of the day. People have stated that it was caused by his heavy drug use at the time and one of the reasons he does not remember that even participated in this film despite his great performance.
Director John Badham wanted and fought for the film being shot in black and white. MGM balked at the idea and to appease Badham, MGM suggested that they shoot the film in color and during post-production produce a black and white negative as a compromise.
John Cassavetes is an improvisational actor/director, and he at times got fed up with having to be precise in his dialogue and was quoted as saying to Director John Badham, "Kid you're getting more out of me, than anyone has in a lifetime."
This film was also shot in and slated to be released in Black & White.