The film caused a national scandal upon its original underground release; it was banned in 22 states and in four countries. Critic Jonas Mekas brought it around to various screenings in the 1960s, but was arrested at several of them.
Seized by New York City police at the premiere, this film was officially determined to be obscene by a New York City criminal court.
The cinematic lover and film critic Jonas Mekas declared: "We refuse all censorship of art".