In July, 1998, Billy Gray settled a libel suit he brought against noted film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, known for his annual guides on available movies and videos. In all guides from 1974 to 1998, Maltin mistakenly listed Mr. Gray as a real-life drug addict and pusher in the critique of this film. Billy appeared in the film only as an actor. Part of the suit brought against Maltin required that he publicly apologize for the 27-year long defamation of character. He did so, during a press conference, on the morning of July 18, 1998.
At the very beginning of the film, the following disclaimer is provided: "Pam and Larry, Tip, Kit Ryder, Dusty, Sweets, Armen and Bobby Graham are real people, they are not actors. The dealers, characters who do exist, are portrayed by actors."
Movie ends with the following cluing in the viewer as to the eventual outcome for each of the individuals featured in the movie: "Clifton Tip Fredell returned to Calif. State Penitentiary Oct. 17, 1970", "Dusty and Sweets didn't make it, she's in Oregon, he's in L.A.", and "Nancy Wheeler was on Methadone in Flint, Mich. the program was disbanded and she is back on the street".
This epilogue which updates the outcome of characters for the viewing audience was later parodied seven years later in movies such as "Animal House" (1977) and "Stripes" (1981).
This epilogue which updates the outcome of characters for the viewing audience was later parodied seven years later in movies such as "Animal House" (1977) and "Stripes" (1981).
The real orchestra violinist agreed to play himself in this picture, but was murdered six weeks before filming began. The film's director of photography, William A. Fraker took over the role.
Most of the individuals in the film have only their first names listed in the end credits.