Due to distribution problems with Utah-based distributor Invictus Entertainment, the movie never got a wide theatrical release and went straight to video in most territories.
Originally intended as a made-for-TV movie for NBC, but the network ordered Michael Landon to create another pilot for a TV series, which would have been Highway to Heaven (1984).
Timothy Patrick Murphy actually took Hallie Todd on an actual date to a local drive-in, but their actual date consisting of just drinking coffee, unlike them eating hamburgers at the drive-in their characters go to in the actual film.
A personal trainer was brought in to coach Timothy Patrick Murphy how to throw the javelin. Michael Landon assisted with the training, as well.