A Feb. 11, 1958 Los Angeles Times ad shows that this film was widely distributed on a double bill at many drive-in theaters with Disney's Old Yeller.
At a promotional event for the movie, a young Jayne Mansfield was one of several swimmers participating in a underwater skit when the top of her bathing suit came off, which obviously drew attention to her, and not the movie. It is believed that she let this happen on purpose for the free publicity.
The film premiered underwater to a group of journalists and others wearing diving equipment. The premiere was prior to the national release date of Feb. 9, 1955, and was held in Silver Springs, Florida.
The final hit song to emerge from an RKO feature was the sensual instrumental cha cha, "Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White" (music by noted French composer Louiguy), performed in the film by Dámaso Pérez Prado's renowned Latin band while Jane Russell danced. Billed as Perez Prado and His Orchestra on the RCA Victor single, Mr. Prado triumphed at the number-one "Billboard" spot for 10 consecutive weeks between April 30 and July 2, 1955. The same year on Coral Records, crooner Alan Dale (who did not appear in the movie) charted with a fourteenth-place vocal version (lyrics by Mack David). A '55 Decca release of the ditty by Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians featured vocalist Bill Flanagan. Actually, the song wasn't brand new in 1955. Singles had been on record racks in 1951 from Georgia Gibbs on Mercury, Cindy Lord on the MGM label, and Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra, with singers Pat O'Connor and Sandy Evans, on Columbia.