The film was shot on location at Montezuma Castle in New Mexico.

The film is also known under the alternate titles Cry Demon and House of Evil.

The film opened theatrically in spring 1978, with screenings beginning on March 8 in San Francisco.

Variety gave the film a favorable review, praising Richard Crenna's performance and Victor Buono's portrayal of the Devil with 'sinister angelicism' in the climactic confrontation scenes.

Critics were divided on the film: while the Los Angeles Times called it 'a scary and atmospheric thriller,' reviewers for the Austin American-Statesman and The Tampa Tribune panned it as unoriginal and tedious.