top of page

REEFER MADNESS

1938

Louis J. Gasnier

Reefer Madness

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.

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

bottom of page