In the script initially, Nick Tate's character was intended to be a surfer but once Tate took the role the decision was made to make him a teacher.

The movie was racked with controversy after its release, with Director Ken Hannam condemning it to the media of the day. Producer Patricia Lovell has said of it; "It was one of those films that has caused me a lot of sleepless nights since" The lead actors have also spoken of their mixed feelings about the movie, interviews with them can be seen on the DVD. Nick Tate has said; "It's a film that, I think, was before its time in Australia" John Waters reckons; "Its one of the Australian films that really has stood the test of time" And Elizabeth Alexander has said; "I'm very sorry for everyone who was involved that it wasn't finally as great as we all hoped it would be. Because it certainly had the makings of that, the potential to be that and, of course, everyone wanted it to be that. But for me, it was just off the mark. I'm sorry to say that."