John Hughes's final film for which he wrote the story and screenplay alone. He collaborated with others on all other films that he is credited for writing until his death in 2009.
Gramercy Pictures' final film not to be released by PolyGram Filmed Entertainment.
After Chris Columbus turned down directing National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) due to not getting along with Chevy Chase, John Hughes sent him two scripts: one was this film; the other was Home Alone (1990). Columbus chose the latter, which became a commercial success.