Reassembling the film was a challenge because there was no existing script. They had to use scenes written out in notebooks, on pieces of paper, and even on envelopes and cocktail napkins. Another challenge was that 5 reels of the rough cut were missing and never found (reels 9-13). They had to go through the negatives to find missing material.
Jeffrey Mitchell has joked that despite the Christian themes in his father's movies, the only time he was religious was while on small planes having engine problems.
The film makers requested a meeting with the Pope to discuss the validity of his kidnapping scenes in person. The Pope's people refused. This aspect of requesting a meeting with the Pope was used in the film.
Discovered when Bob Murawski, Bill Lustig, and Sage Stallone met with Jeff Mitchell to discuss re-releasing Massacre Mafia Style (AKA The Executioner). Jeff told them he didn't know about that movies print, but his father had an unfinished film lying around if they wanted it.
Before
Originally titled "Kiss The Ring". It was renamed "Gone With The Pope" by Grindhouse Releasing (The Film's distributor).
After
The original shooting title was "Kiss the Ring", but Duke Mitchell changed the title to "Gone With the Pope" in 1975, midway through shooting.
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"The first shooting title was "Kiss the Ring" but Duke Mitchell himself changed the title while shooting the film in 1975."