This “Reaction Film” was published in 1971 by Mert Koplin and Charles Grinker and was released by Pictura Films Distribution Corporation. The film was created to provoke discussion on the subject of the legalization of marijuana and possibly other drugs, by looking back at the Prohibition Era in the United States (1920-33), when the production and sale of alcohol was illegal. The film is edited by John Christophel and was researched by Virginia Gerson with resources from Archives Unlimited Corporation.
“The Turning Points: America in the Twentieth Century” on screen (00:07). 1930s footage from a temperance meeting: a woman is holding a deceased goldfish in a jar of alcohol, to demonstrate that compound’s deadly effects (00:14). 1970s footage — a man is standing at a podium and speaks about the frightening effects of marijuana on the mind (00:55). “PROTEST: Prohibition and Pot” title banner (01:25). Historic footage of the pre-Prohibition era follows — the roaring 1910s. A ballroom full of guests dancing (01:35). A bartender makes drinks (01:37). A large cargo ship is loaded with rum barrels for shipment to outposts, such as Havana and Nassau (02:08). During the alcohol prohibition from 1919-1933 federal agents destroyed Al Capone’s brewery in Chicago (02:17). Different temperance men campaigning their opinions on the ultimate banning of alcohol (02:47). A return to the seminar, where the woman explains the dangers of drinking alcohol (03:46). A pastor breaks a bottle on the head of another man inside a church (04:15). A woman campaigns her opinion of alcohol being poison (04:24). The pastor breaks another glass jar to express his strong opposition to the legality of alcohol (04:58). A passionate man preaches his opposition to alcohol (05:13). Views of a 1932 democratic convention, with Franklin Roosevelt on the podium (05:39). “Prohibition Ended!!!” title banner (06:55). The reopened alcohol factories (06:56). Barrels of beer are delivered in town (07:06), and cheerful locals are raising their classes to the repeal of the prohibition (07:13). 1970s footage. A hippie rock band Phil and the Frantics is shown performing at a party (07:38). At a congressional hearing in Washington DC, including Sen. Ted Kennedy, the use of marijuana and LSD is discussed (08:10). High school students during the school day (12:29). Some students are interviewed about drugs (12:58). The point of view of a car driving around town as the narrator summarizes (14:18).
Formed in Phoenix, AZ, in 1963. Phil and the Frantics consisted of Phil Kelsey (saxophone and vocals), Bill Powell (guitar), Rick Rose (keyboards), John Lambert (bass), and Steve Forman (drums). Forman left the band to join the Eclectic Mouse and was replaced by a new drummer, Joe Martinez.
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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
