The tagline for this film reads "... the shocking FACTS behind the marijuana controversy!". Well, it's wrong on both counts--it's not at all shocking and there is a lot of misinformation.
A local high school is pretty much controlled by a rich young punk of a student (Kevin Coughlin). He is the supplier of pot and trend-setter on campus. At this same school is a 'cool' teacher (Fabian) who is concerned about pot but also thinks the school is overreacting (which contradicts the opening scene of the film). Heck, he's so cool that he, too, has tried grass and because of this the principal and police are obviously distrustful of him. Later, when this swell teacher has pot planted in his possession, things look bad...bummer. Can the campus go drug-free (or at least relatively drug-free) and Fabian avoid the Man?! Tune in and see...if you care.
This exploitation film from 1968 seems incredibly tame today--and even by 1968's standards it was already old fashioned and naive. In many ways, it's like a reworking of "Reefer Madness". While the behavior of the kids using pot aren't quite as over the top and silly as in "Reefer Madness", it isn't all that realistic--with a car careening off the road and down a cliff all due to pot use! And yet, it ALSO seems to be saying pot isn't all that bad (as Fabian, the enlightened teacher, says it's no worse than alcohol or cigarettes)!! What a weird dichotomy!! Well, I am NOT an apologist for pot use, but showing such ridiculously extreme results from marijuana use probably did more harm than good--making kids laugh at the film instead of avoiding the drug. And, saying it's no worse than cigarettes!! Wow. Now had they said frequent pot users act and think STUPIDLY, then I think the message would have been a lot more realistic. But, exploitation films always seem to go to crazy extremes to get their heavy-handed messages across.
So is the film worth seeing even if the message is heavy-handed? Well, perhaps, as it's definitely an interesting time capsule and great viewing if you like bad films (and, occasionally, I love a film like this). Plus, the twist at the end is pretty good and Fabian wasn't bad. But if you are looking for a clear and intelligent film, look further.
If you do watch, get a load of the gas station attendant. It's Gary Marshall--the same guy who brought us "Happy Days", "The Odd Couple" and many other shows of the 1970s. So, in addition to directing and writing, he's acted in quite a few films and shows--but mostly in bit roles. And, sadly, Coughlin's career didn't last very long despite his being offered frequent roles in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He was hit by a speeding car and killed when he was only 30. And finally, like most exploitation films, the 'teenagers' in this film are all VERY old teens--and seeing actors in their mid-20s playing teens is good for a laugh.
A local high school is pretty much controlled by a rich young punk of a student (Kevin Coughlin). He is the supplier of pot and trend-setter on campus. At this same school is a 'cool' teacher (Fabian) who is concerned about pot but also thinks the school is overreacting (which contradicts the opening scene of the film). Heck, he's so cool that he, too, has tried grass and because of this the principal and police are obviously distrustful of him. Later, when this swell teacher has pot planted in his possession, things look bad...bummer. Can the campus go drug-free (or at least relatively drug-free) and Fabian avoid the Man?! Tune in and see...if you care.
This exploitation film from 1968 seems incredibly tame today--and even by 1968's standards it was already old fashioned and naive. In many ways, it's like a reworking of "Reefer Madness". While the behavior of the kids using pot aren't quite as over the top and silly as in "Reefer Madness", it isn't all that realistic--with a car careening off the road and down a cliff all due to pot use! And yet, it ALSO seems to be saying pot isn't all that bad (as Fabian, the enlightened teacher, says it's no worse than alcohol or cigarettes)!! What a weird dichotomy!! Well, I am NOT an apologist for pot use, but showing such ridiculously extreme results from marijuana use probably did more harm than good--making kids laugh at the film instead of avoiding the drug. And, saying it's no worse than cigarettes!! Wow. Now had they said frequent pot users act and think STUPIDLY, then I think the message would have been a lot more realistic. But, exploitation films always seem to go to crazy extremes to get their heavy-handed messages across.
So is the film worth seeing even if the message is heavy-handed? Well, perhaps, as it's definitely an interesting time capsule and great viewing if you like bad films (and, occasionally, I love a film like this). Plus, the twist at the end is pretty good and Fabian wasn't bad. But if you are looking for a clear and intelligent film, look further.
If you do watch, get a load of the gas station attendant. It's Gary Marshall--the same guy who brought us "Happy Days", "The Odd Couple" and many other shows of the 1970s. So, in addition to directing and writing, he's acted in quite a few films and shows--but mostly in bit roles. And, sadly, Coughlin's career didn't last very long despite his being offered frequent roles in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He was hit by a speeding car and killed when he was only 30. And finally, like most exploitation films, the 'teenagers' in this film are all VERY old teens--and seeing actors in their mid-20s playing teens is good for a laugh.