The crew were very impressed with first-time director Ron Howard the first day they started filming. Most of the newbies that producer Roger Corman hired were unsure of themselves and took a while to get things going. But Howard knew exactly what he wanted and how to set up each shot because of his familiarity with film production from being in movies and shows as a kid and teen for so many years.
Ron Howard asked Roger Corman to hire more extras for the crowd scene at the end of the film. Corman said no, because he did not want to go over budget.
Roger Corman claims he told director Ron Howard, "Do a really good job on this one, kid, and you'll never have to work for me again."
As a promotion for this movie, "16" magazine ran a contest and the winner received a trip to Hollywood and a bit part in the film. Her name was Caryn and she was the girl who catches the bouquet at Paula and Sam's wedding.
The first film to be shown three times in one day on HBO (shortly after HBO began broadcasting 24 hours).
Allan Arkush: second unit direction as well as a film editor, as an aggravated ice cream vendor in a clown costume. He also did some ADR work, along with other crew members, for one of the stoners whose car pursues Paula and Sam near the end of the film.
Laurence Cruickshank: Second unit producer, as one of the elderly churchgoers on the bus that Officer Tad commandeers.