The story of the freakish execution that Sam tells Adam, about a condemned prisoner beating his head against a metal pole inside the gas chamber, is a true story. It happened to Mississippian Jimmy Lee Gray in 1983.
In a 2006 BBC TV Culture Show interview, John Grisham stated that this was the adaptation of his work he liked least
Gene Hackman and Faye Dunaway play father and daughter even though in real life, he is only 11 years older than her.
The film debut of Bo Jackson, who was a celebrated two-sport baseball and football player. He was cast by the producers because of both his charms and the intimidating stature both that would be perfect for the role of a prison guard.