Although United Artist released The Delinquents in 1957, it was filmed in Kansas City in the summer of 1955. That helps explain the musical choice of jazz over rock. When it was shot, the ground just been broken on the juvenile delinquent sub-genre with The Wild Ones and The Blackboard Jungle. A more timely release would likely have made it more successful at the box office and more influential on other rebelling teen films. Even with the late release, the film made a tidy profit for the studio.
Altman later said Tom Laughlin copped an attitude during the filming and was very difficult to work with.
Altman later said Tom Laughlin copped an attitude during the filming and was very difficult to work with.