The film marked Assonitis' directorial debut, under his oft used pseudonym, Oliver Hellman. The film was originally set to be released by American International Pictures, Assonitis' long-term American partners; the film was picked up and released by Edward L. Montoro and his company Film Ventures International, it was a huge commercial success in the United States, where it earned $15 million at the US box office and grossing in excess of $40 million world-wide.
The film marked Assonitis' directorial debut, under his frequently used pseudonym, Oliver Hellman. The film was initially intended to be released by American International Pictures, Assonitis' long-standing American collaborators; the film was acquired and distributed by Edward L. Montoro and his company Film Ventures International, it achieved a significant commercial success in the United States, where it generated $15 million at the US box office and grossed over $40 million globally.