This film is full of controversy due to the subject matter. Production was delayed because (PCA) Production Code Authority refused to approve the script due to the content of illegal drug trafficking and drug addiction. Many theaters would not show films that did not receive PCA approval. 

The director decided to release the film prior to submitting to PCA for approval. In December 1955, PCA denied the film a Code seal. MPAA upheld the decision upon appeal. However, the National Legion of Decency, a Catholic film censor board, gave the film a "B" rating. Which means "morally objectionable in part for all", instead of a "C" which means, "condemned", a rating given to films that were denied a Code seal. Large theater circuits booked and showed the film anyway. Ultimately, MPAA revised its production codes, this allowed later movies to include subject matters that were considered taboo.  The film finally received a production Code seal in June 1961. This allowed the film to be reissued and sold for television broadcast.