“Angel Death” looks at the drug PCP, which came into prominence as it exited the surgeon’s room. The substance was initially created for use as an intravenous anesthetic, though it was discontinued after reports from patients experiencing extreme agitation, violence or delusion. This 1978 anti-drug film delivers an in depth look at the drug’s physiological and emotional effects through personal accounts from patients in inpatient and outpatient programs. It also contains footage of animal experiments which might be difficult to watch for some viewers. Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward narrate. (:24). Formers users (:48); a man bounces on his buttocks; tweaking on the sidewalk. Former users repeatedly detail experiencing a strong sense of violence (1:03). A twelve year old user is interviewed (1:18). Strange and powerful side effects (1:27). Legal use on humans was discontinued in 1965. The public was exposed and recreational use soared until the 1980’s as crack became more readily available. PCP is considerably easy to brew at home. Rates of PCP related arrests in Los Angeles follow over images of drug arrests (1:41). The rate of high school users increased (1:51) in Los Angeles County. Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman (2:12) discuss nationwide rates (2:20) and common age of first use in the US (2:19). Joanne details the cost of a joint dipped in PCP (2:35). Various methods of in taking the drug (3:39) follow. A helicopter swings in (4:15). News footage follows of drug arrests; six men struggled to tackle one perpetrator; handcuffs are snapped by a person swelled up with PCP (4:43). PCP masks pain while delivering extreme euphoria; users often report god like complexes while under the influence. The film turns to show the step by step effects of PCP use on a cheetah. A tranquillizer gun (5:21) aims for a cheetah called Victor. He paces in his cage (6:18); initially PCP acts as a stimulant. The dose increases changing to a depressant (6:33) and Victor slops on his side and to the ground (6:45). Dr. Warren Thomas simultaneously explains the drug is safe for use on animals and is prone to cause convulsions (6:58). Thomas states the need an additional substance to mask the negative effects. The animal over salivates on his side, another dangerous side effect (7:26). Youth groups are explored; former users meet at a counseling center discussing PCP’s high (8:07). A fifteen year old user; George recalls a recent overdoes (8:43). The thin lipped blonde slips out to get high during a break in the filming (8:58). The counselor performs a sobriety test as Joanne explains the boy’s calm droopy exterior is masking high brain activity (10:08). Another animal study features a chimpanzee called Fuzzy (10:25) her regular brain wave activity is recorded (10:29). Fuzzy is pumped up with PCP (10:36); her brain cells ricochet; firing all at once. Fuzzy seizures (11:20). Ellis convulses on the floor (11:54). Dr. Diane Hambrick (12:30) explains there is no rapid detoxification process for PCP. The patient is strapped tight to the bed (12:56). PCP sits in fat. It can later be recirculated in the brain (13:06). Patients suffering from chronic brain syndrome (13:26). Maggie arrives at behavioral health services (13:58) showcasing extreme effects of extended use. Although PCP use does not result in physical dependency, users still fall into habit (15:57). Ellis seeks treatment (16:35). He watches a recording of his hospital overdose (17:05). A long time dealer is interviewed (19:39). The dealer explains his income is used to support his children. He explains concern for his children getting involved with drugs. Footage of an 18 year old under arrest follows (20:50). His arrest is traced to the police station (21:42). Reports of tendency for violence are detailed (22:13). Richard Goodman interviews Greg, a convicted murderer. Greg committed the violent murder of a close friend at age 16 (22:49) while under the influence of a half-ounce of angel dust. A woman named Jackie recalls (25:07) her experience on PCP watching her friend drown. She attends a group counseling meeting in the state mental institution (26:26). Jackie struggles to experience emotions (26:54). Dr. Larry Laveman explains her case (27:25) and the effect of numbing emotions with substances. Jackie exits the program early (27:52). She visits her friend’s grave at Paradise Memorial Park (28:22) and reads a poem she wrote called paradise (28:33). She breaks down on the dirt (29:17). Produced by Dave Bell Associates Inc. (33:19).

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