The film premiered in the US first on TV in a cut version, but had a theatrical release overseas uncut, proving to be an especially huge hit in China. The film's success in China was so substantial that star Deborah Raffin became the unofficial ambassador from Hollywood to China; she arranged meetings between Hollywood luminaries and Chinese leaders and filmmakers to get Chinese films distributed in America and American films released in China. Moreover, Raffin was nominated for an Emmy for her performance in the picture.
The producers decided to "spice up" this TV-movie for its theatrical release overseas. Some extra scenes involving nudity, etc., were added. Denise Dillaway's 2-minute whipping scene, not in the original TV-movie version, is displayed prominently on some posters and on some DVD boxes, as a selling point. (see the Photos section at IMDb)
The white and black cast members had to stay in separate hotels during the shooting of this movie.
Several locals from both Greenwood and Carrolton, Mississippi appear as extras in this film.
Shot in August, 1976.