The movie was adapted by Richard Condon and Janet Roach from Condon's novel. It was directed by John Huston.
It won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Anjelica Huston), and was nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Jack Nicholson), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (William Hickey), Best Costume Design, Best Director, Best Film Editing, Best Picture and Best Writing, Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium.