The movie was originally called "Thursday the 12th" with this title being announced in the April 1, 1981 issue of show business paper Daily Variety.
One of the horror films this movie spoofs is Carrie (1976). Edie McClurg and Sydney Lassick, who had small parts in 'Carrie', also have minor parts in this film. Lassick appears in the bus station scene as the homeless man with the "dirty pillows".
Members of ''The Groundlings'' comedy troupe who appeared in the film include Phil Hartman, Paul Reubens, John Paragon, Lynne Marie Stewart and Edie McClurg.
First feature film of production company ''The Movie Company'' (aka TMC aka TMC Venture). The production house was helmed by business partner producers Barry Krost and Doug Chapin. This picture was the first Krost-Chapin project for the United Artists studio under a four picture deal between the two parties as announced in the 1st April 1981 issue of show-business trade-paper 'Daily Variety'.