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Drugs In Our Culture (1970)

Examines the socio-cultural setting in which drug abuse exists. Points out the prevalence of drug use in American society, reveals experts' opinions about why drug use is rising among young people and stresses the responsibility of the adult in preparing the child for a decision about drugs.


This movie is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Production Company: KQED-TV
Audio/Visual: sound, color

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: Christine Hennig - - October 9, 2005
Subject: Boy, I'm Glad I'm Clean and Sober. Anyone for Coffee and Cigarettes?
This late-60s film explores the use of drugs in American society and attempts to answer why young people are turning to drugs in ever-increasing numbers. Its actually pretty sensible in that it points out how drug-saturated our culture is and how drug use is not confined to the illegal use of addicts, but is something just about everybody is involved with. The film is also refreshing in classifying use of alcohol as being drug use no more and no less than use of illegal recreational drugs, and in pointing out the big bucks that the drug companies make. This all makes drug use among young people a lot less surprising. And it doesnt provide any simplistic answers to the problem either. It makes its points rather dryly, though, mainly through the talking heads of various experts. And the flow of the film is rather rambling, going from one thought to another. Still, this is a historically interesting portrait of how the drug abuse problem was conceived of during the 60s.
Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: **. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: ****. Overall Rating: ****.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - May 13, 2005
Subject: groovy!
Rather trippy and psychedelic romp through what makes drugs so bad featuring a monotone narrator that doesnt move at all (which could make for some great editing experiments) and lots and lots of talking heads. We don't know who these people are, Just their professions, whgich makes it somewhat less interesting (but is saved by the last subject bohemian teacher look). All throughout this movie, there's also some wild clips of the bar scene in SF, the street scene in SF, and Yes, Jim Nabors. In one scene you can hear the music of Bob Dylan. Not too sure of the music clearances of all of these, but all of it sure winds up becoming a little spaced out.

Reviewer: johncocktolstoy - - October 8, 2004
Subject: Well-balanced film
I was impressed that, even in the midst of the moral panic of the late sixties, that such a balanced film about drug use could be produced. Its definitely not your ordinary anti-drug film which focuses only on the use of illegal drugs by teens and accuses them of corrupting America. This one indicts the alcohol industry, tobacco, pharmaceutical industry, and even coffee makers for their role. In addition, the film advocates for a treatment-based approach to the problem, rather than a punitive one. In all, a pretty sensible film, especially for the era.

Reviewer: Marble River - - October 6, 2004
Subject: Fans of Gomer Alert
Decent late '60s anti-drug piece, with too many talking heads. Ha ha I made a pun. Absolutely worth viewing for the Jim Nabors musical bit about "purple pills". Just brilliant! Three stars for the film, 5 stars for Jim Nabors.