The original 1986 Broadway cast included Jonathan Silverman in the role of Eugene and Jason Alexander in the role of Stanley. Here, Jonathan Silverman plays Stanley. Marilyn Cooper, who voiced the radio character Mrs. Pitkin reprises her role in the movie version.
Final part of Neil Simon's semi-autobiographical "Eugene Trilogy" which followed Brighton Beach Memoirs (1986) and Biloxi Blues (1988). All three films originated as plays and all had alliterative titles based on alliteration of the letters 'B' and 'Br'.
Though made-for-television, this tele-movie was actually theatrically released in cinemas in some territories such as the UK and Australia.
Both this tele-movie and Laughter on the 23rd Floor (2001) and their respective source Neil Simon plays are considered companion pieces as they reflect Simon's early writing career.
In 1992, veteran actor Hume Cronyn won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special for his role in this television film. The film was nominated for four Emmys in total that year, the other categories where the film did not win were Outstanding Writing in a Miniseries or a Special - Neil Simon writer; Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries or a Special - Paul Bogart (director); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Special -Anne Bancroft; and Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or a Special - Jerry Orbach.