Despite its adult content, the film became a genuine box office phenomenon. Costing around $400,000 to make, it grossed an astounding $90 million globally. It remains one of the most commercially successful adult films of all time.
The case dragged on for years. Ultimately, a New York federal court ruled that while the story and characters were unprotected, the film’s marketing (which used artwork closely mimicking Sir John Tenniel’s original illustrations) did infringe on the trademark of the Alice brand. The result? For decades, the film was effectively suppressed in the United States. Prints were ordered destroyed, and home video releases were blocked. This legal obscurity turned the film into a holy grail for collectors. Despite its adult content, the film became a
While contemporary critics were often divided on the blending of absurdist humor with adult content, the film has maintained a cult following. It is viewed by film historians as a significant artifact of 1970s counter-culture, illustrating how filmmakers of that period attempted to push traditional boundaries. The case dragged on for years