Release According to Brooks, after the film was completed, Embassy executives refused to release it as being in "bad taste". The film's premiere in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 22, 1967, was a disaster and the studio considered shelving it. However, relief came when Pink Panther star Peter Sellers saw the film privately and placed an advertisement in Variety in support of the film's wide release. Sellers was familiar with the film because, according to Brooks, Sellers "had accepted the role of Bloom and then was never heard from again". The film allegedly was "banned in Germany". The film was screened in New York City in March 1968. The film's wide release took place on March 18, 1968.
release according to brooks after the film was completed embassy executives refused to release it as being in "bad taste" the film's premiere in pittsburgh pennsylvania on november 22 1967 was a disaster and the studio considered shelving it however relief came when pink panther star peter sellers saw the film privately and placed an advertisement in variety in support of the film's wide release sellers was familiar with the film because according to brooks sellers "had accepted the role of bloom and then was never heard from again" the film allegedly was "banned in germany" the film was screened in new york city in march 1968 the film's wide release took place on march 18 1968