Production
The movie was one of four Roger Corman made for 20th Century Fox. In making the film, Corman analysed three other recent low-budget rural action thrillers that had been big hits: Billy Jack (1971), Walking Tall (1973) and Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry (1974). He deduced they had three things in common: a hero with an off-beat sidekick, an unusual mode of transport and an interesting weapon. This is why the Peter Fonda character travels on an old motorcycle with his toddler son and uses a compound bow. [2] Corman said, "It was an attempt, once more, to follow a style that you're probably familiar with now — an action picture with a certain social comment." [6]
Demme had made Caged Heat for Roger Corman and was preparing the script for Fighting Mad when Corman asked him, at short notice, to take over Crazy Mama , whose director had left the project. Demme was reluctant but Corman threatened to abandon Fighting Mad if the director did not make Crazy Mama. Demme shot the film, which was a disappointment. He said Corman was unhappy with the result and canceled Fighting Mad. Demme protested this was unfair. Roger Corman agreed and changed his mind - Fighting Mad went ahead. [7]
Filming took place on location in the Ozarks region of northwest Arkansas, with most scenes shot in rural Washington County, and around Fayetteville. Additional scenes were shot in neighboring Fort Smith and Clarksville. [8] [9]
Peter Fonda later wrote, "Like his work. Jonathan was amazing. He was so full of positive attitude, anything was possible. He never let on to any stress or pressure, and he was basically working for free." [10]
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