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'Reefer Madness'

Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
"Considered THE archetypal sensationalized anti-drug movie, but it's really an exploitation film made to capitalize on the hot taboo subject of marijuana use. Like many exploitation films of the time, "Reefer Madness" tried to make a quick buck off of a forbidden subject while skirting the Motion Picture Production Code of 1930. The Code forbade the portrayal of immoral acts like drug use. (The illegal drug traffic must not be portrayed in such a way as to stimulate curiosity concerning the use of, or traffic in, such drugs; nor shall scenes be approved which show the use of illegal drugs, or their effects, in detail.)

The film toured around the country for many years - often being re-edited and re-titled ("Tell Your Children", "Dope Addict", "Doped Youth", "Love Madness", "The Burning Question"). It was re-discovered in the early 1970s by NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) and screened again as an example of the government's demonization of marijuana. NORML may have been confused about the film's sponsorship since one of the film's distributors, Dwain Esper, testified to the Arizona Supreme Court that "Reefer Madness" was not a trashy exploitation film but was actually sponsored by the U.S. Government - a convincing lie, but a lie nonetheless.

That being said, the film is still quick enjoyable since it dramatizes the "violent narcotic's ... soul destroying" effects on unwary teens, and their hedonistic exploits enroute to the bottom."

Download 'Reefer Madness' here

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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    I've seen bits of it before, it is a classic to be sure but very much of its time. Its interesting to note that a lot of the early anti-drugs films were actually closer to porn films just dressed up. The topic of drugs allowed them to warn or wanton females etc. and therefore show more than they were normally allowed.
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    JadedJaded Posts: 2,682 Boards Guru
    Have you seen this movie Nash? What did you think of it?
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    LadyJade wrote:
    Have you seen this movie Nash? What did you think of it?

    Thoroughly enjoyed it to be honest, and the 1930's style humour should give you a few laughs. It's a movie which has a message, 'Marihuana' makes you crazy!... yes really ;)

    Running time is just over an hour and the file size is very reasonable, so take a look.
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    JadedJaded Posts: 2,682 Boards Guru
    I've seen it, propaganda is an amazing thing, those myths still exist today and that movie was the source of many of them. It is just nice to get the thread starters opinion as well. ;)
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    LadyJade wrote:
    propaganda is an amazing thing

    Like the government saying 'things have changed after the Tube bombings'
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    Former MemberFormer Member Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
    im about to go reefer mad right now!
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