Production began in 1971, but personnel, logistical and financial problems resulted in it being shut down. After several stops and starts over the years, it was finally completed and released in 1979.
Although producer Kenneth Hartford received directorial credit, in an interview with Tom Weaver cast member Anthony Eisley said Hartford had very little to do with it: "[Herbert L. Strock] directed everything. Then later on Hartford shot a couple of scenes in Griffith Park with his kids and claims to have directed it. It's totally fallacious."
Burgess Meredith, Aldo Ray, Cesar Romero and Keenan Wynn were all originally announced for this project.
In September 1976 it was announced that Doug McClure and Keenan Wynn were to star in this picture, with filming to being in late 1976 in Colombia and Spain, but this did not work out.