The original version of "Body and Soul" was a nine-reel production. When the filmmaker applied for an exhibition license from the Motion Picture Commission of the State of New York, it was denied approval on the grounds it would "tend to incite to crime" and was "immoral" and "sacrilegious". Micheaux was forced to re-edit the film twice before the commission approved the film, which was reduced from nine to five reels. The surviving copy of "Body and Soul" is based on this edited version; Micheaux's director cut is considered a lost film. "Body and Soul" is one of three surviving silent films created by Micheaux, who is credited with making 26 silent productions. "Body and Soul" holds an 80% approval rating on aggregate film site Rotten Tomatoes.