Dating to 1968, “Marijuana the Great Escape” was distributed by BFA and produced and directed by J. Gary Mitchell. This film tells the story of a young man who aspires to be a professional drag racer. But, he starts smoking marijuana, which impairs his ability to drive safely, and that leads to a terrible reckoning. The film was created in cooperation with the Inglewood Police Department (:26). The main character, George Willis and a young female friend work on his race car (:53). George details how he intends upon winning the race over flash forward footage (1:51). His mentor arrives to check on the boy’s and the car’s preparedness (1:59). His mentor is known as Tony Nancy, Captain of the US Drag Racing Team (2:25). George is to be driving a sponsored Double A drag racer which shows how large of a stake for George this race is. A 1978 VW Bus rolls into the scene (3:07). The stereotypical cluster of long haired 1970’s hippies steps from the van. The last man to exit; Max, is considerably older than his peers and is a known marijuana dealer (3:40). George seeks to purchase marijuana from Max (4:18). George and his female friend take the car to the race track for test runs (4:41). Tony steps out and re-attaches the safety parachute (5:08). Tony then accuses George of ‘blowing smoke’ (5:20) and warns him of the dangers of driving a vehicle such as this under the influence. Over the loudspeaker it is announced that George is the winner of the race (7:05) and that he is from Redondo Beach, California. Suddenly, his friend and pot dealer, Max calls him from the Englewood Police Department (7:47) as he and his friends had been arrested on possession charges. George offers to bail the group out with his 500-dollar prize money (8:28). The scene changes to evening and a gathering at one of the friend’s houses as a group passes a joint around the room (9:01). George then peer pressures his girlfriend; whom had been previously outspoken against marijuana, into trying the substance (9:54). As the substance begins to kick in the film shows dark and murky distortion scenes to exaggerate the effects (11:20). George wakes the girl up to get ‘munchies’ from a store meaning he and Max will have to operate vehicles under the influence (13:38). Pat realizes she has left her purse behind as George reverses and stops the vehicle for her to get it (14:17). The film details the affect marijuana has on the mind and body such as slowed reaction timing (14:46). A police car’s siren is heard as George has everyone within the car toss any marijuana. A moment later however the police car passes them without stopping (15:47). The gang drives on and hits a crime scene (16:14) as the police officers take statements (16:27), Max’s van is spotted. Max is pictured sitting on the curb with a blood spotted towel next to bystanders (16:34). A young girl is pulled into an ambulance while in a stretcher (16:41). George is seen on the race track smoking another joint (17:15). Appearing dejected, the rookie race car driver is seen at another race (17:36). Tests and tune ups are conducted as the cars are wheeled into position to begin the race (17:53). George jumps into the front seat of the dragster (18:46). Immediately as he takes off for the race, the car flips and bursts into flames (19:09). The film concludes and had been distributed by BFA (19:22).

Producer J. Gary Mitchell had a long and storied career in making socially conscious films for children. Visit his website at http://empowerkids.com/

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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com