When the idea was first pitched to Ellen Burstyn, the film was supposed to be more of a thriller, like The Exorcist (1973). Burstyn was not impressed with that approach, so when she heard the approach offered by writer Lewis John Carlino, she was impressed and this film is the result.
''Edna Mae'', the name of the character Ellen Burstyn plays in the film, is a variation of Burstyn's real name, which is ''Edna Rae Gillooly''.
The film in 1981 was nominated for two Academy Awards (Oscars) and both were female acting nominations. These were for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Ellen Burstyn and Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Eva Le Gallienne. However, the picture failed to take home a gong in either category. The film was the fifth of six Oscar nominations [to date, December 2022] for the former and was the latter's only ever Oscar nominated performance.