Extremely controversial because of its content matter, it was banned in Pennsylvania and Ohio, and Production Code Administration head Joseph Breen ordered that the film never be re-released once the Production Code came into effect in mid-1934. The film did not resurface until the mid-1950s.
Paramount originally assigned George Raft to play Trigger, but he refused the part. Raft said playing such a revolting character would ruin his reputation and finish his career. The very public dispute nearly did end his contract, but Paramount relented and gave the part to Jack La Rue.
Note that as Judge Drake is lecturing the lawyer about how important it is to uphold the law, he takes out a bottle of alcohol and pours them drinks. This is during prohibition; his actions are illegal. The judge's hypocrisy may be lost on modern viewers, but would have been understood at the time.
The New York censors initially rejected "The Story of Temple Drake". In order to be suitable for exhibition there, every scene involving sex or violence had to be reduced to a minimum.
Loosely adapted from the highly controversial novel 'Sanctuary' by William Faulkner.