If any one film where it can be said influenced a generation, it would have to be the first film from the comedy duo of Cheech and Chong, "Up In Smoke." This movie was put on many a VCR at parties during the late 70s and early to mid 80s and watched by millions of youth worldwide. Furthermore, it was demonised by the establishment because of the subject content of marijuana. It was feared that the film would encourage youth to take up smoking the weed and corrupt the moral fabric of society. Of course, I am laughing very loudly as I finished writing the nonsense.
Actually, "Up In Smoke" was a piss take of the whole stoner culture. Even funnier, stoners knew this and it only encouraged them to watch it more. Many of them could identify with a lot of aspects of that film. I have personal experience of a smoke filled car, although it was actually a small booth in the car park I used to work at. I won't say any more on that one out of fear of self incrimination. But the film is rife with many pot related jokes as well as many other funny bits. I mean, how many of us would have loved to have pissed on a cop's leg? And of course, there is the sex fantasy acted out in the van, my favourite bit.
What many people forget is that "Up In Smoke" also has a pretty decent soundtrack. I love the first song, which is the title track and as memories came flooding back for this post, I found myself singing the lyrics to "Framed."
"I was framed, I never do nothing wrong
But everytime I get the blame."
There some other fun tracks such as "Rock Fight" and the final song, they perform as a punk band on stage, "Earache My Eye." My marine buddies and I used to sing that song quite a lot.
Track Listing:
1. Finklestein shit Kid (dialogue)
2. Up in Smoke
3. Low Rider
4. 1st Gear, 2nd Gear (dialogue)
5. Framed
6. Searchin'
7. Ajax Lady (dialogue)
8. Strawberry's
9. Here Come the Mounties to the Rescue
10. When You Gotta Go, You Gotta Go (dialogue)
11. Lost Due to Incompetence (Theme From Big Green Van)
12. Lardass (dialogue)
13. Rock Fight
14. I Didn't Know Your Name was Alex (dialogue)
15. Earache My Eye
16. Up in Smoke- reprise
So, if you're out to party this weekend, watch this film as it will be truly inspirational. Although I don't mention the film in Rock And Roll Children, I am very sure the characters would have been influenced by it.
Next post: National Lampoon's Animal House
To buy Rock And Roll Children, go to www.strategicpublishinggroup.com/title/RockAndRollChildren.html
Also available on Amazon, Froogle and Barnes & Noble and for sale at Foyles Book Shop in London.
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