 While writing the script, George A. Romero (I) (qv) and  John A. Russo (qv) were trying to think of a manner in which to  destroy the zombies. Marilyn Eastman (qv) joked that they could  throw pies in their faces. This is obviously an inspiration for the  pie fight scene in this films sequel,  _Dawn of the Dead (1978)_ (qv).