The sets for this film would be re-used for Roger Corman's next production The Little Shop of Horrors (1960). They were previously used for The Diary of a High School Bride (1959).
At the time of its original release there was a promotion in the newspaper's movie section advertisements that made the offer, "If You Bring In A Bucket Of Blood To Your Local Theater's Management (Or Ticket Booth), You Will Be Given One Free Admission."
When preview audiences saw Maxwell arrive in a tuxedo and sandals, it caused them to chuckle because it seemed so appropriate to the character. However, it was actually because Julian Burton had swollen feet due to wearing the sandals constantly and had no choice.
Reportedly Dick Miller was unhappy with the impact of the low budget on the film. He felt the film had terrific potential to be a classic and liked the script and performances, but felt the lack of funding weakened some of the film's best moments. In particular he cited the conclusion of the film, saying that it suffered due to little time and money for makeup effects.
Julian Burton is reported to have actually written the entire "Life is a bum" poem himself, taking care to make the poem imitate--and yet parody-"'beatnik" art at the same time.