William Hurt and Kathleen Turner wanted the crew to feel comfortable filming their love scenes, so they lined up the crew and both actors introduced themselves to each crew member. When they did this, both stars were naked.
The Matty Walker character was modeled on film noir legend Lauren Bacall. Kathleen Turner was cast in the role due to her similarities to Bacall, including a distinctive husky voice and distinguishable long, shapely legs.
Reportedly, the picture was shot in freezing cold temperatures. The production had to simulate the heatwave of the film's story, the actors having to act hot in cold conditions. For example, the cast had to suck ice cubes before speaking to eliminate foggy breath and had water sprayed on their skin and clothing to simulate perspiration. Kim Zimmer's memoir disputes this. She remembers shooting in blazing heat and high humidity.
Ted Danson's mother went to see the film and walked out due to the picture's provocative sexuality. According to the documentary on the film's DVD, she never told him this, and pretended for many years that she had seen the movie, which she hadn't, until it was revealed to him many years later.