Some of the names read by Howard Handupme are references to real people who were criticized for their politics, beliefs, and actions. Authors Lilian Hellman and Dashiell Hammett were blacklisted during the McCarthy era, actress Jane Fonda and her then- husband, politician/author Tom Hayden received backlash for protesting the Vietnam War, and musician Frank Zappa was often critized for his controversial lyrics and for fighting censorship.
During syndication on Disney channel in the late 90s/early 00s, two scenes were removed and some dialogue was dubbed over.
The title is based upon the reply by General Anthony Clement McAuliffe to the German Army's request for the surrender of the American troops trapped in Bastogne during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944: "Nuts!"