Steven Spielberg created the original story for this film, intending it to be his feature directorial debut. When 20th Century Fox executives assigned the film to another director, Spielberg was so incensed, he swore he would never make a film for Fox. He kept that promise until he directed Minority Report (2002), a co-production between Fox and his DreamWorks.
Heavily re edited by the studio to be a feel good movie. Originally had a downbeat ending.
The movie was filmed in Mt. Hope, KS.
Eric Shea had appeared in an episode of the Batman TV show which had as guest villain Cliff Robertson as 'Shane'. Eric Shea and Cliff Robertson are father and son here in Ace Eli & Rodger of the Skies.