Producer Michael Hertzberg mentioned in a 23 Mar 1984 DV article that the concept for Johnny Dangerously originated with executive producer Bud Austin, who was inspired by Hertzberg’s success with the western satire, Blazing Saddles (1974, see entry) and proposed a similar spoof about gangster films, nicknaming it “Blazing Tommyguns.” Norman Steinberg, one of the Blazing Saddles writers, collaborated with Bernie Kukoff, Harry Colomby, and Jeff Harris, to turn Austin’s idea into a screenplay.
       Twentieth Century-Fox acquired the script in 1976, but the project remained in development over the next seven years with various studios attached, including United Artists and Universal Pictures. After producer Hertzberg put together a package in 1983 with star Michael Keaton and director Amy Heckerling, Fox agreed to finance the picture. As explained in a 25 May 1985 Screen International article, Keaton and Heckerling read the script in the late 1970s, but by 1983, the two were more in demand. Keaton had become a popular comedic actor, known for hits Night Shift (1982, see entry) and Mr. Mom (1983, see entry), and was re-introduced to Johnny Dangerously through co-writer and executive producer Harry Colomby, who also happened to be the actor’s manager. AFI graduate Heckerling experienced success with her feature film directing debut, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982, see entry) and was drawn to the idea of a spoof about 1930s gangster films, having grown up watching the genre and developing a passion for James Cagney. According to a 5 May 1983 DV article, Fox executive Robert Cort was also instrumental in resurrecting the project, which marked the second feature greenlit under Fox president Joe Wizan. With a budget of $8 million, the production was set to shoot for nine weeks in Los Angeles, CA.
       As listed in a 9 Aug 1983 HR production chart, principal photography began 1 Aug 1983. Production notes in AMPAS library files mentioned that filming took place exclusively on the back lots and soundstages of the Burbank Studio and Twentieth Century-Fox, where production designer Joseph R. Jennings built over thirty sets to reflect a time period ranging from the 1910s to the 1930s. A 4 Oct 1983 HR brief reported that shooting completed 30 Sep 1983, one day earlier than scheduled. However, producer Hertzberg revealed in the 23 Mar 1984 DV that the production filmed additional scenes in Mar 1984 with Michael Keaton. By that time, the budget had reportedly increased to $9 million.
       Hertzberg stated in a 15 Aug 1983 DV column, that he intended the picture to be R-rated, while Fox was hoping for a PG-rating. According to the 31 Oct 1984 Var, the picture initially received an R-rating, but was re-edited for PG-13 before release.
       Johnny Dangerously was originally scheduled to open in Aug 1984, but Fox felt more confident releasing it as a holiday picture on 21 Dec 1984 due to a crowded field of comedies in late summer and the possible impact of the 1984 summer Olympics on moviegoing, as mentioned in a 26 Mar 1984 DV article.
       A 13 Jun 1983 DV article noted that the film marked the first major screen role for comedian Joe Piscopo, who was known as one of the primary cast members on the television comedy sketch program, Saturday Night Live.
       The theme song, “This Is The Life,” written and performed by Weird Al Yankovic was featured in the opening credits of the theatrical release, but was not included in the VHS release, which was the print viewed for this record. According to a 15 Sep 1985 LAT news item, CBS Records did not reach an agreement with the film’s producers for home video song rights. The filmmakers substituted the song, “Let’s Misbehave,” by Cole Porter in opening credits, but that song is uncredited onscreen.
      Although the last name of character, “Roman Maroni,” is spelled “Maroni” in end credits, the name is written as “Moronie” in scenes featuring a newspaper headline and on a sign for “Club Moronie.”