Sorry ladies ...Hours of entertainment Making the 1980's cloyingly Just Say No campaigns look decidedly high brow in comparison, these three 1930's gems are critical entertainment values.
Most of the information contained on these films is badly directed and acted (just how far can an anti-drug message be streched before the most supportive audience member looses interest) but the inherent camp value is part of the product.
Were it not for the inevitably dated appearance of the actors and sets, etc...these films would probally be shown in modern school districts across the country. Youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds (but, especially the well-to-do who have both the free time and money) are continuing to abuse drugs, much to the consternation of elected officials from all political parties, who are trying to offer policy solutions to simmilarly anxious parents and community members.
I had first heard about these films in conjunction with an introductory College American History class discussion on political propaganda in the American drug war, and after surviving cheesy special issue sitcom episodes in the early 1980's, figured I had seen everything. Boy was I sorely mistaken.
It is interesting to note the administration of an admitted former cocaine user, himself the father of two girls with highly publicized substance abuse incidents of their own has the United States Goverment once again making commericals specifically targeting pot as one of the most dangerous drugs on the market.
