Sure, kid, why do you think they call it dope?
Three “drug” films from the Silent era.
For His Son - 1912 - 6/10
D W Griffith warns against the dangers of cola, especially DopoKoke.
An entrepreneur adds cocaine to his cola drink, hoping to leave a healthy business to his son.
Sales are robust, including those to the son who becomes addicted.
Note - At one time, Coca-Cola’s recipe included 9 milligrams of cocaine per 7 ounce bottle.
Although the amount gradually diminished, Coke did not become cocaine free until 1929.
The Devil’s Needle - 1916 - 6/10
Artist, in search of inspiration, borrows his model’s needle.
Wow, does that pep up the old vigor!
In no time flat, he is addicted, impoverished, and all but raving.
Slow beginning, and actor Tully Marshall is too old for the women who are attracted to him.
Norma Talmadge fine as model. In fact, I usually see her as stuffy or starchy and she is warm and funny here.
Imaginative scene (above) of buzzed artist staring into fireplace, seeing pixies.
The Mystery Of The Leaping Fish - 1916 - 7/10
One of the funniest drug movies.
Douglas Fairbanks, as detective Coke Ennyday, consumes enough controlled substances to put him in company with Keith Richards and Mötley Crüe.
The leaping fish are inflatable fish, enjoyed by beach-goers riding the waves.
Police and Coke investigate dope smuggling, as well, although Mr Ennyday probably won’t turn any confiscated powder over to the evidence room.
Pace is frantic, with a stream of jokes and visual gags. Story by Tod Browning.
I still find it amazing this survives, let alone was made in the first place.