KISS bassist/vocalist Gene Simmons reflected on the making of his band's infamous Hanna Barbera-produced made-for-television movie ""Kiss Meets The Phantom Of The Park"" in a new interview with Movie Moments.

Initially aired on NBC on October 28, 1978, the film was filmed largely on location at the Magic Mountain theme park in Santa Clarita, California.

Simmons recalled: "All kinds of people wanted us to make a film because KISS was the Gallup Poll biggest band in the world — above THE BEATLES and [LED] ZEPPELIN, everyone — for three years in a row: '77, '78 and '79.

So, obviously, cartoon shows came and movies — the industry all wants to take advantage of somebody's popularity." Simmons described working with director Gordon Hessler, who was trying to be nice but had high expectations from his stars.

In contrast, original KISS guitarist Ace Frehley remembered having fun during filming, even crashing a few times on the moped he used to drive around the theme park.

However, Frehly also recalled getting into an argument with a producer after being told they wouldn't need him until after lunch for close-ups of Gene Simmons.

Simmons has expressed his own fondness for the film in previous interviews, calling it ""a classic movie — if you're on drugs." Meanwhile, Paul Stanley has said he ""embraces"" the film despite its initial intention to capitalize on KISS's popularity.

The European edit of the film was included on KISS's 2007 DVD anthology ""Kissology Volume Two: 1978-1991"".

The movie follows the tale of rock band KISS and their efforts to thwart a diabolical plan by mad scientist Abner Devereaux.