The film was screened in family-owned cinemas attracting a full house on its opening night.[1]
Hayward's uncle Henry was unimpressed with the film and offered Rudall £50 to burn it.[1]
Hayward was prosecuted by the Auckland City Council in the Police Court and fined £1 on each of two charges for putting up posters for The Bloke from Freeman’s Bay in unauthorised places contrary to city by-laws, in October 1921.[5]