The 22 Mar 1962 DV announced that the screen version of Daniel Michael Stein’s 1960 novel, Wall of Noise, would be scripted and produced by Joseph Landon. The title was explained in the 31 Aug 1963 LAT as the sound heard by horse jockeys as the crowd roars in the final stretch of a race. Principal photography began 3 Dec 1962, according to a 7 Dec 1962 DV production chart. Landon, who once made his living in illegal horse-race betting, told the 12 Jan 1963 NYT that he intended to depict racing from the jockey’s point of view, and include all the aspects of the sport that were generally unseen by spectators. He noted that five horses were needed to play the role of one: In addition to the featured horse, two stand-ins were needed to run, along with two others that could fall convincingly.
       Landon revealed that production company Warner Bros. Pictures was initially opposed to the project, but later relented, based on the success of the 1961 release, The Hustler (see entry), a story about pool-room gambling. Because the studio had an exclusive arrangement with the Ford Motor Company, Landon encountered resistance when he requested a Rolls Royce for the shoot. He ultimately won the argument and rented the vehicle for $500, less than half the price anticipated by studio executives. Location filming took place over a three-week period at Hollywood Park Racetrack in Inglewood, CA, as stated in the 3 Jan 1963 LAT.
       In his 28 Dec 1962 LAT column, sports writer Jim Murray recounted his experiences on set, where he appeared in a minor role. When the crew members were unable to contrive the outcome of a staged horserace, they consulted Murray, who suggested various jockeying techniques, but avoided mentioning performance-enhancing drugs. Also appearing in the film was Los Angeles sportscaster Gil Stratton as the racetrack announcer, as noted in the 5 Dec 1962 DV.
       Other castings included Carol Sandifer and Theodora Hawkins (11 Dec 1962 DV); John Alonzo (14 Dec 1962 DV); Al Paige (18 Dec 1962 DV); Richard Davies (26 Dec 1962 DV); Harry Holcombe (3 Jan 1963 LAT); Vic Perrin (7 Jan 1963 DV); Roy Engel (8 Jan 1963 DV); Bob Carson , brother of late actor Jack Carson (14 Jan 1963 LAT); Max Mannes and auctioneer Laddie Dance (16 Jan 1963 DV); Carol Anderson and Sharon Johnson (30 Jan 1963 DV); Wally Vernon (31 Jan 1963 DV); and Roger Til (1 Feb 1963 DV). The 21 Dec 1962 issue estimated that more than 100 background actors were used in racing sequences. A news brief in the 21 Jan 1963 DV stated that former U.S. Vice-President and future U.S. President Richard Nixon visited the set earlier that week. Nixon had recently lost his bid for governor of California.
       An item in the 29 Jan 1963 LAT noted that principal photography had nearly concluded. The completion of final editing was announced in the 16 May 1963 edition.
       As the release date approached, the 28 Aug 1963 Var reported a press junket to be held that day at Aqueduct racetrack in New York City. Participating journalists were scheduled to spend a day at the track, followed by dinner and a screening of Wall of Noise.
       The picture opened 4 Sep 1963 in New York City and Los Angeles, CA. Reviews were lukewarm, with critics showing more enthusiasm for the racing sequences than for the plot. The film received a “B” rating from the Legion of Decency, which decried its “low moral tone.”