The film premiered in France on September 25, 1962, followed by the United States on October 4 and 23 for the United Kingdom. Because Fox was suffering with the financial losses of "Cleopatra", the studio intended that "The Longest Day" should have a wide release to reap quick profits. Zanuck forced them to do a proper roadshow theatrical release, even threatening to sell distribution to Warner Bros. if Fox had refused to do so. "The Longest Day" eventually became the box office hit Fox needed, with $30.5 million in worldwide theatrical rentals on a $7.5 million budget. It was the highest-grossing black and white movie at the time. Zanuck's production company (DFZ Productions) received 50% of the profits and by 1964 had received over $5.8 million.