Reefer Madness

Reefer Madness (1936)

Reefer Madness is a 1936 American propaganda film that revolves around the melodramatic events that ensue when high school students are lured by pushers to try marijuana—from a hit and run accident, to manslaughter, suicide, attempted rape, and descent into madness due to marijuana addiction. The film was directed by Louis J. Gasnier and financed by a church group under the title Tell Your Children. It was intended to be shown to parents as a morality tale attempting to teach them about the dangers of cannabis use.

Plot

The story begins with a stern warning from a high school principal about the dangers of marijuana. The plot follows a group of teenagers who are introduced to marijuana by a local pusher. As they become more involved with the drug, their lives spiral out of control. One of the characters, Ralph Wiley, becomes insane and commits a series of violent acts. Another character, Mary Lane, is accidentally killed, leading to a cover-up and further tragedy.

Production

Reefer Madness was produced by George Hirliman and written by Arthur Hoerl. The film was shot over a short period and had a modest budget. Despite its low production values, it has become a cult classic due to its exaggerated portrayal of marijuana use and its unintended comedic value.

Cultural Impact

Initially, Reefer Madness was not widely seen. However, it was rediscovered in the 1970s and gained a new audience as a cult film. It has since been used as a symbol of the war on drugs and the moral panic surrounding marijuana use. The film has been parodied and referenced in various forms of media, including a musical adaptation and a 2005 film.

Legacy

Reefer Madness is often cited as an example of propaganda and moral panic. It is studied in film courses for its historical significance and its role in shaping public perception of marijuana. The film is also a popular subject for midnight movie screenings and riffing.

See Also

• Marijuana
• War on Drugs
• Propaganda
• Cult film
• Moral panic