[3] It was directed by David Lowell Rich and produced by Jay Weston, with the screenplay being written by Arkin's wife, Barbara Dana.

Flash used to be a talented baseball player, but now he's a homeless recovering alcoholic who sells stolen watches on the streets of San Francisco, California.

In January 1974 it was announced the film was the third script from Broadway lyricist Bob Merrill, the others being Mahogany and Freaky Friday.

[5] Ron Talsky, who was dating Welch at the time, was set to produce the movie with Robert Merrill writing the screenplay.

Arkin agreed to star in the film under the condition that his wife, Barbara Dana, be allowed to rewrite the script.

According to production notes, San Francisco locations included Alta Plaza Park, China Basin and Potrero Hill.

Flash (Mr. Arkin) is a dim-witted derelict graced with childlike innocence, and Emily (Miss Burnett) gets to wear bananas in her ears, so the roles are not without their appealing sides.

Arkin, though he seldom speaks below a shout and expends endless energy, might as well be playing to a lamppost for all the emotion he musters.