Directed by: Louis Gasnier
Starring: Dave O'Brien, Thelma White, Warren McCollum
The first time I was made aware of Reefer Madness was in It Came from Hollywood (1982), which compiled clips of some of the worst movies ever made up to that time. Cheech and Chong hosted the segment which showcased Reefer Madness and it was properly heckled and made fun of. The movie is propaganda to be sure; trying to steer people clear of marijuana, and it was allegedly instrumental in getting marijuana installed as a class one drug. But, aside from bureaucrats, I can't imagine this over-the-top, silly film swaying anyone, even in 1936. The plot (plot?) is about a group of seemingly upstanding white folks who hold parties where weed is smoked and bad things immediately happen, including murder and a hit-and-run accident. Marijuana leads to violence, rape, improper behavior, sex, and a future murder trial. Don't say you haven't been warned. Maybe Reefer Madness deserved to be satirized in books and movies chronicling the worst movies ever made, but I couldn't help but at least be mildly entertained by its absurdity for a brief period.
The people puff on the joint instead of inhaling and immediately their eyes turn crazed. One guy orders a woman (who is sitting at the piano with a joint hanging from her mouth like a cigarette) to "play faster" as he rubs his hands together simulating masturbation. I wonder if there was a movie titled "Masturbation Madness" somewhere. Reefer Madness was made during The Great Depression. Weren't there bigger fish to fry? Like millions unemployed in need of work?
Yes, Reefer Madness is a bad film; overacted and as subtle as a sledgehammer to the face. But pointing out its badness is as redundant as complaining about a dog barking. But, the purpose of my blog is to watch movies and report my observations to you, so I will do so. Even with a movie made eighty plus years ago which wound up amusing likely stoned audiences at midnight theater screenings.
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