Catalogue · No. 76
Reefer Madness
Louis J. Gasnier · 1938 · United States · 66 min
Synopsis
A group of young people becomes involved with marijuana through the influence of dealers and predatory social circles. Recreational use rapidly escalates into paranoia, violence, and personal ruin as authority figures attempt to warn society about moral and psychological corruption. The narrative presents drug consumption as a pathway toward collective degeneration and chaos.
Critique
Originally conceived as an exploitation cautionary film, Reefer Madness later achieved notoriety through the exaggerated hysteria of its anti drug message. Its sensational performances and implausible moral panic transformed it into an object of ironic cult appreciation during later decades. Beyond its unintended humor, the film offers insight into the fears, propaganda strategies, and social anxieties surrounding narcotics in Depression era America.
Technical sheet
- Director
- Louis J. Gasnier
- Year
- 1938
- Country
- United States
- Running time
- 66 min
- Genre
- Drama
- Written by
- Lawrence Meade, Arthur Hoerl
- Cinematography
- Jack Greenhalgh
- Cast
- Dorothy Short, Kenneth Craig, Lillian Miles, Dave O'Brien, Thelma White, Carleton Young
- Production
- George A. Hirliman Productions
- Music
- Newly composed original score
Licensing
Screening availability
- Theatrical screenings
- Non-theatrical screenings
- Festivals and cinematheques
- Educational screenings
- Television broadcasting
- Digital platforms and streaming
- Promotional and editorial use
- Licensing of graphic and visual materials
Available formats
- DCP
- DCP with subtitles
- Apple ProRes
- MP4 Screening File
- MP4 Rehearsal Copy for Musicians (silent films)
- Blu-ray
- High-resolution archival masters
Promotional materials
- Posters
- Press stills
- Promotional assets
- Screening support materials
Available subtitles
- English
- Spanish
- French
- Portuguese
- Italian
- German
