Reviews (1)

Watchable Low Budget Western
Tex and sidekicks Dave Wyatt and Panhaldle Perkins try to discover the identity of "The skull," a masked rider who rides a horse that makes no noise (unfortunately little is ever made of this last interesting characteristic). A typical low budget western with wooden acting from all but the 3 principals. Panhandle's comedy would probably steal the show (first he is almost hanged and then later he is made town marshall) except for Tex Ritter. With that distinctive voice, you always know when Tex is talking. Tex may not have been the best cowboy actor, but he was one of the very best singers and, next to John Wayne, had the most recognizable speaking voice. Tex sings only two short songs here (one is only partially completed)--one only wonders why? Alpha's DVD print is, as usual, unrestored, but it is better than some other prints in their catalog and it is watchable. There aren't any missing portions or other frustrating breaks. All in all, this western is far below the highest quality standard set by the superbly filmed Hopalong Cassidy westerns of the era, but then this film was shot by PRC on a low budget. There are so few Tex Ritter westerns on DVD that I recommend buying this one while it is still in print. The story isn't bad, Panhandle Perkins is an interesting character, but the chief reason for your purchase will be Tex Ritter. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Alpha puts out a decent DVD here
This film is a exploitation film from 1938, and was usually shown at theaters that typically showed other lurid product under an "adults only" banner. (These films would sound and purport to be more lurid than what actually showed on screen but that was part of the producer's game here. These types of films dealt in subjects that were forbidden by the mainstream studios to produce due to the Production Code. The film's producer, JD Kendis, was known as one of the infamous "Forty Thieves".) Plot involves a beauty parlor owner who lured women into her employ(by advertising in out of town newspapers looking for makeup workers) and wound up using these women as prostitutes in a brothel. Wheeler Oakman, best known for appearing in the Flash Gordon serials of the 1930's, plays her right-hand man. John Merton, another heavy from Republic serials, plays another gangster. Lurid for its era, although quite tame compared with today's stuff that would pass on network TV.

Alpha, a company who usually specializes in subpar DVD releases of Public Domain films/TV shows, actually puts out a good DVD here. The picture is quite decent, there doesn't appear to be any dialogue jumps or missing footage, and the dialogue can be heard cleanly. This is much better than other Alpha product that I have bought in the past. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Read A Book........... Any Book!!!
This movie actually put the fish in my aquarium to sleep! It has no plot, point, or reason to be for sale. Trust me save you 5 bucks! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Hours of entertainment
Making the 1980's cloyingly Just Say No campaigns look decidedly high brow in comparison, these three 1930's gems are critical entertainment values.

Most of the information contained on these films is badly directed and acted (just how far can an anti-drug message be streched before the most supportive audience member looses interest) but the inherent camp value is part of the product.

Were it not for the inevitably dated appearance of the actors and sets, etc...these films would probally be shown in modern school districts across the country. Youth from all socioeconomic backgrounds (but, especially the well-to-do who have both the free time and money) are continuing to abuse drugs, much to the consternation of elected officials from all political parties, who are trying to offer policy solutions to simmilarly anxious parents and community members.

I had first heard about these films in conjunction with an introductory College American History class discussion on political propaganda in the American drug war, and after surviving cheesy special issue sitcom episodes in the early 1980's, figured I had seen everything. Boy was I sorely mistaken.

It is interesting to note the administration of an admitted former cocaine user, himself the father of two girls with highly publicized substance abuse incidents of their own has the United States Goverment once again making commericals specifically targeting pot as one of the most dangerous drugs on the market.

Amazing discovery...
Just finished the three movies in a row, and there are no regrets! This DVD is fun, and more: there are nice extras including an almost finished crazed strip act, trailers, picture gallery and all, and three flicks well presented. The picture/sound quality is not at all as bad as I suspected, in fact some "quality" classics can be found released in much inferior quality. And the movies... they are great, and if you love the atmosphere of the thirties, these films, especially watched late night, give you the wonderful feeling of really attending a wild party, even without actual reefer involved. Whereas "Marihuana" is really stupid and "Reefer Madness" beautifully overblown, "Assassin of youth" is actually quite grasping. All films involve some pretty people, posh clothes and wild lindyhop. What more to be desired???

It was funny as hell !!! Get it while you can!!!
I watched this movie with my friends .... It shows great 1930s acting when facial expressions, the tone of voices, and general setup of the sets were much more important then the stupid special effects we have now. When I watched the actors getting stoned and then acting stoned I could not believe that it was an act! I would highly recommend it to anybody who likes to smoke some funny weed. Oh, by the way it shows you how to pick up chicks by getting them stoned first - I tried it myself and it works great - just like in this movie !

Sorry ladies ...

Spawn of Harry Anslinger...
In the 1930's, the precursor to today's DEA (FBN-Federal Bureau of Narcotics) was headed by an anti-marijuana fanatic named Harry Anslinger. With the aid of people like William Randolph Hearst, he helped to spread a thick blanket of lies about marijuana. Tales of instantaneous addiction, [...] perversion, listening to jazz music (no kidding!), and general hysteria over the plant resulted in the production of some cheesy, but definately entertaining, movies about the menace of pot. These three stand out, though Reefer Madness is probably the best known, and serve as prime examples of distortion and lies fueled by propaganda. Quite possibly where Drug Czars Bill Bennett and others obtained their information about marijuana.

REEFER MADNESS!
Kids, this has got to be one of the funniest titles available today, and it's SO old! Reefer Madness is an old Anti-Marijuana short film in which high school students who "toke hits of reefer ciragrettes" become "immoral, unjust and unforgivable" because, and I swear I'm not kidding, "Marijuana is more addictive and destructive then her sisters Heroin and Cocaine." This movie has it all, from slight truths to bold faced lies! It is a true testament to the American Marijuana War and just how hillarious our leaders can be at times. Buy a copy today! Do something for the cause. ... Read more