This film from 1969, presented and distributed by BFA, educates on amphetamines, commonly referred to as speed. Doctors explain facts about the drug in medical use and the ill effects of abuse. And speed addicts are interviewed about their addiction. The film is produced and directed by Richard S. Scott, M.D., edited by David C. Dobson, photographed by Robert Maxwell, with Alan Baker as associate producer, and sound by Harry C. Paget. It is a Medi-Cine Films, Los Angeles production, produced in cooperation with the Haight-Ashbury Medical Clinic in San Francisco, California.

A former speed addict is interviewed about his addiction (00:16). “Speedscene” title banner (01:01). “The Problem of Amphetamine Abuse” title banner (01:07). A man is resisting the two people attempting to force her up a flight of stairs (01:12). An addict is interviewed about her addiction (01:18). The two people lead the resisting man into a room (01:32). An elderly woman is there and all three attempt to comfort the distressed woman (01:39). Dr. David E. Smith from the Haight-Ashbury medical clinic is explaining the man’s reaction as common to a high dose amphetamine abuse (02:02). The man is continuously distressed (02:08). A needle being injected into the elbow crease (02:38). Blurred scenes portraying the effects of speed (02:43). Dr. Smith continues to explain the process from high to low due to amphetamine abuse (02:47) as footage of a woman lying on a couch plays in between (02:51). Dr. Frederick H. Meyers explain amphetamines (03:19). Houses on a residential street (03:36). A woman speaks about being prescribed amphetamines for depression by a doctor (03:41). Dr. Meyers continue to explain amphetamines and their medical use for narcolepsy and appetite suppression (04:18). He continues to explain the oral use of amphetamines (05:29). Dr. David L. Breithaupt explain further about amphetamines for medical use (05:42). A truck driving at night (06:09). Dr. Breithaupt continues to explain dangers of dosage increase and abrupt discontinuing (06:19). The woman from the residential neighborhood talks about discontinuing her prescription amphetamines (06:46). Pills being sorted (06:48). Dr. Breithaupt explains the risks of prescribing amphetamines (07:10). To nurses seating a man in a wheelchair (07:16). Dr. Breithaupt continues (07:20). A young girl is speaking about her former amphetamine abuse (07:31). A young man speaks about becoming an addict and ending his addiction (08:29). People walking in a street (09:22). Dr. Breithaupt speak addiction amongst high school students (09:26). Scenes of streets in San Francisco, California (09:46). Roger C. Smith, director of the ‘Amphetamine Research Project’ speaks about use of speed through all classes of society (09:51). Scenes of different people in the Haight-Ashbury district in San Francisco (10:02). Roger C. Smith continues (10:14). Footage of Roger C. Smith and scenes from the Haight-Ashbury district (10:25). A speed addict speaks about her first time trying speed, the risks involved, the comedown after the high, and how often she does speed (11:23). Dr. David E. Smith speaks about the physical problems of prolonged amphetamine-abuse (13:09). A women’s eyes are examined by a doctor (13:15). Body parts infected by abscesses (13:19). A man is examined by a doctor (13:23). Dr. David E. Smith continues to explain the damages of compulsive use of amphetamine (13:32). An addict speaks about his abuse (13:44). Dr. Smith speaks about amphetamine psychosis (15:05). Footage of a group of men on a staircase starting to fight (15:26). A laboratory for testing amphetamine on mice (15:36). Dr. Smith explains the result of experiment on mice (15:49). Many mice in one cage fighting each other until death (15:51). Dr. Breithaupt speaks about amphetamine use through ages and all classes of society (16:26). Repeated scene of the distressed man being led up a flight of stairs (16:31). Credits (16:37). “Speedscene – The Problem of Amphetamine Abuse” title banner (17:10).

Dr. David Smith who appears in the film is a leader in the treatment of substance abuse and dependency, the psychopharmacology of drugs, new research strategies in the management of drug abuse problems, and appropriate prescribing practices for physicians. He is the founder of the Haight Ashbury Free Clinics of San Francisco.

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