Reefer Madness is a 1936 American exploitation film about drugs, revolving around the melodramatic events that ensue when high school students are lured by pushers to try marijuana – upon trying it, they become addicted, eventually leading them to become involved in various crimes such as a hit and run accident, manslaughter, murder, conspiracy to murder and attempted rape. While all this is happening, they suffer hallucinations, descend into insanity, associate with organized crime and commit suicide. The film was directed by Louis J. Gasnier and featured a cast of mainly little-known actors.
1972 theatrical release poster
Ralph is arrested for Jack's murder.
"If you want a good smoke, try one of these."
An exploitation film is a film that tries to succeed financially by exploiting current trends, niche genres, or lurid content. Exploitation films are generally low-quality "B movies", though some set trends, attract critical attention, become historically important, and even gain a cult following.
Poster for the silent exploitation film The Road to Ruin (1928)
Reefer Madness, a 1936 film about marijuana
Poster for the independent film Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971)
Godzilla (1954), the first film in the Godzilla series