Trivia

Banned (and never released theatrically) in Turkey until 1992 when the private television channel HBB broadcast it.

According to his book, Brad Davis had a drug problem of his own while promoting this movie.

Billy Hayes courteously declines the amorous advances of one of his fellow inmates. In reality, Hayes had an ongoing affair with this person as opposed to a brief encounter in the shower.

Mark Hamill wanted to audition for this movie, but the producers weren't keen to cast him.

In an attempt to really get into character, Sir John Hurt stopped bathing for most of the 53-day schedule, and reeked so badly at times, most of his colleagues avoided being close to him.