
Like sex, nudity and violence, the Hays code tried to prevent film makers from showing obvious depictions of drug taking and selling and, as before, the warnings were ignored. There are several blatant examples where characters exploit or sell drugs in Precode films. Although, the subject was generally shown solemnly and as a means of destruction, some pictures exist where narcotics are positioned positively. It is interesting to note that while drugs were being discussed on screen, the substance was rife in the film community, claiming the lives of Mabel Normand, Wallace Reid, Jeanne Eagels and Chester Morris as well as many others.
Douglas Fairbanks: The Light-hearted Addict
The most interesting use of drugs in film is the 1916 film 'The Mystery of the Leaping Fish' staring the famous Douglas Fairbanks. The comedy picture shows Douglas as a Sherlock Holmes like detective solving crimes while being addicted to cocaine. In the pictures below it is obvious to see the product cocaine and the use of syringes.
Dancing, Singing, Drugs
Another example of positive drug taking is the odd mystery/ musical film 'Murder at the Vanities' (1934). In a musical number that was later banned when the code was enforced, Gertrude Michael sings about the pleasures of marijuana. The film also includes a number of nearly-nude women, making it truly Precode.
Gertrude Michael singing 'Mariguana'
Another picture from the infamous musical number
Eve without Adam
Drugs for Drama
More often narcotic taking was used as a source or drama and to show the person's downward spiral into sin. Three on a Match (1932) is an example of this with Ann Dvorak's character experimenting not only with drugs but alcohol, sex and excessive partying.Or the drug-addicted Luis Alberni's character in Mad Genius (1931)

Drug dealing, in Mad Genius (1931)
And finally, the inclusion of a drug-addicted doctor (played by Conrad Nagel) in the depraved, shocking film Kongo (1932). In addition to narcotics, the film included images of sadism, violence, adultery, voodooism, alcoholism, rape and murder.

Conrad Nagel as the addicted doctor
Kongo (1932) madness

And the lovely Lupe Verez...
Just a note but the use of cocaine in the first film is likely part of it's nod to Sherlock Holmes who in the earlier stories was himself an occasionally user of coke
ReplyDeleteNothing is guaranteed, of course. Everyone is an individual and of course, if one person wants to do drugs and if one person feels they need to do drugs, then that person will abuse drugs.buy marlboro heatsticks
ReplyDeleteThe neurotransmitter glutamate of which is a part of the reward systems can be changed and hence cause learning inability.Hamilton escorts
ReplyDeleteParticular interviews furnish firsthand message on mart size, industry trends, ontogeny trends, capitalist landscape and outlook, etc. look at here now
ReplyDeleteEnthralled by the writer’s ability to write in this magnificent way.
ReplyDeletejadwal film bioskop
A good blog always comes-up with new and exciting information and while reading I have feel that this blog is really have all those quality that qualify a blog to be a one Buy weed overnight shipping
ReplyDeleteWow, this is fascinating reading. I am glad I found this and got to read it. Great job on this content. I liked it a lot. Thanks for the great and unique info. מרכז גמילה מסמים
ReplyDeleteOn this page, we are going to learn what CBD is and the way it perform in your benefit. In June 2018, The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the usage of CBD oil for treating 2 kinds of epilepsy. So, CBD store
ReplyDeleteHaving a sick pet at home can be very stressful for their owners, as one spends all their time searching for the medicines and treatments for them. Royal CBD oil
ReplyDeletethanks for this usefull article, waiting for this article like this again. https://europa-road.eu/hu/epitoipari-gepszallitas-debrecen.php
ReplyDeleteConveyance of drugs into fundamental course through colonic ingestion speaks to a novel method of presenting peptide and protein drug atoms and drugs that are ineffectively retained from the upper gastrointestinal (GI) parcel. order cbd online
ReplyDeleteIf you are looking for more information about flat rate locksmith Las Vegas check that right away. Whitehouse market
ReplyDeleteThank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our. dark web links
ReplyDeleteI recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. dark web links
ReplyDeleteI definitely enjoying every little bit of it. It is a great website and nice share. I want to thank you. Good job! You guys do a great blog, and have some great contents. Keep up the good work. гидра онион
ReplyDeleteYes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks CBD for sale
ReplyDeleteI wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. dark web links
ReplyDeleteI recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing. tor hydra
ReplyDelete