Although it cost only $5000 to make, half coming from a silent partner, von Sternberg bought out his partner, giving him 100% profit on his 50% investment and sold 50% of the rights of "The Salvation Hunters" to Joseph M. Schenck of United Artists for $20,000.
Douglas Fairbanks and Charlie Chaplin bought the film for $20,000 and in the process made it and Josef von Sternberg famous overnight.
Josef von Stemberg's debut as a director.