So they said. And that may be just the problem with "Maryjane", which was promoted as a typical AIP drive-in thriller, and too often becomes a tiresome talk fest. The film does have its good points. It is handsomely photographed, well enough acted and has a good score. New high school art teacher/football coach (Fabian) gets in hot water with school officials when he foolishly confesses to having tried pot in his college days. Of course, the stiff-necked faculty and the police chief react with horror, and let him know they'll be watching him closely. Meanwhile, baby-faced student Kevin Coughlin, who is also the school's star football player, spends his after school time as the leader of the "Maryjane" club. The members, who wear medals (!) include former "Bad Seed" Patty McCormack, Teri Garr and Robert Lipton (Peggy's bro). Desperately trying to join the club is sensitive student Michael Margotta. Coughlin makes it clear he doesn't want Margotta joining them, and humiliates him at every opportunity. As the kids hold "pot parties" in secluded lagoons, playgrounds, and deserted amusement parks, Teacher Fabian attempts to get to know fellow teacher Diane McBain, (the best performer in the film) and the quicker, the better.No luck, however, she's not interested in any advanced ''Sex Education''.Not with him, anyway. At the same time, he strikes up a friendship with Margotta, which leads to even more trouble for Our Hero. Director Maury Dexter, who also directed "Born Wild", "The Mini-Skirt Mob" and "Hell's Belles" for AIP, lost the touch this time, because, in between the pot sessions, there are some long, pointless scenes in which the Marijuana question is talked to death. The screenwriters (Dick Gautier and ''Hollywood Squares'' host Peter (L) Marshall) worked their limited knowledge of the subject into the story, and beat you over the head with it. That's a shame, because the rest of the film moves fast, and the kids are portrayed (for a change) as middle class students, not crazed "dope fiends". No wonder the film is not as well known as other AIP potboilers (no pun). Not bad, by any means, but not the exploitation classic it could (and SHOULD) have been. Some have called it a 1960's ''Reefer Madness''. Sadly, it's not. Look for future producer Garry Marshall ("Happy Days", "Laverne and Shirley"), as a gas station attendant.
11 Reviews
Fabian gets street cred
eminges23 June 2001
Like any sensible person, I expected a 1968 movie called Maryjane "starring" Fabian and Diane McBain to be a complete hoot. It turns out to be maybe one good script rewrite away from being a minor classic, Rebel Without A Cause about stoners instead of juicers.
The only clunker is the dopers' clique, who basically look way too much like Spanky and Our Gang and are about as menacing as the Chess Club. Otherwise, this is one of about three drug-related films from the sixties you can watch without cringing: no ridiculous "insider" names for marijuana, no hallucinations, and some startlingly well-balanced dialogue about the issues involved. Fabian is believable and intense - three words I NEVER thought I'd use in the same sentence. There's an actual plot, they've got the nerve to make it twist around a bit, and almost every time you think the movie's going to go for a cheap resolution of a plot twist, it surprises you by actually doing something intelligent.
It's incredibly difficult to find, and it's probably not worth spending a fortune on, but against all expectations Maryjane is a 6/10. This is NOT another Weird World of LSD, Acid Eaters, or Teenage Devil Dolls.
The only clunker is the dopers' clique, who basically look way too much like Spanky and Our Gang and are about as menacing as the Chess Club. Otherwise, this is one of about three drug-related films from the sixties you can watch without cringing: no ridiculous "insider" names for marijuana, no hallucinations, and some startlingly well-balanced dialogue about the issues involved. Fabian is believable and intense - three words I NEVER thought I'd use in the same sentence. There's an actual plot, they've got the nerve to make it twist around a bit, and almost every time you think the movie's going to go for a cheap resolution of a plot twist, it surprises you by actually doing something intelligent.
It's incredibly difficult to find, and it's probably not worth spending a fortune on, but against all expectations Maryjane is a 6/10. This is NOT another Weird World of LSD, Acid Eaters, or Teenage Devil Dolls.
Sort of like a more modern version of "Reefer Madness" but not quite so bad.
planktonrules28 June 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The tagline for this film reads "... the shocking FACTS behind the marijuana controversy!". Well, it's wrong on both counts--it's not at all shocking and there is a lot of misinformation.
A local high school is pretty much controlled by a rich young punk of a student (Kevin Coughlin). He is the supplier of pot and trend-setter on campus. At this same school is a 'cool' teacher (Fabian) who is concerned about pot but also thinks the school is overreacting (which contradicts the opening scene of the film). Heck, he's so cool that he, too, has tried grass and because of this the principal and police are obviously distrustful of him. Later, when this swell teacher has pot planted in his possession, things look bad...bummer. Can the campus go drug-free (or at least relatively drug-free) and Fabian avoid the Man?! Tune in and see...if you care.
This exploitation film from 1968 seems incredibly tame today--and even by 1968's standards it was already old fashioned and naive. In many ways, it's like a reworking of "Reefer Madness". While the behavior of the kids using pot aren't quite as over the top and silly as in "Reefer Madness", it isn't all that realistic--with a car careening off the road and down a cliff all due to pot use! And yet, it ALSO seems to be saying pot isn't all that bad (as Fabian, the enlightened teacher, says it's no worse than alcohol or cigarettes)!! What a weird dichotomy!! Well, I am NOT an apologist for pot use, but showing such ridiculously extreme results from marijuana use probably did more harm than good--making kids laugh at the film instead of avoiding the drug. And, saying it's no worse than cigarettes!! Wow. Now had they said frequent pot users act and think STUPIDLY, then I think the message would have been a lot more realistic. But, exploitation films always seem to go to crazy extremes to get their heavy-handed messages across.
So is the film worth seeing even if the message is heavy-handed? Well, perhaps, as it's definitely an interesting time capsule and great viewing if you like bad films (and, occasionally, I love a film like this). Plus, the twist at the end is pretty good and Fabian wasn't bad. But if you are looking for a clear and intelligent film, look further.
If you do watch, get a load of the gas station attendant. It's Gary Marshall--the same guy who brought us "Happy Days", "The Odd Couple" and many other shows of the 1970s. So, in addition to directing and writing, he's acted in quite a few films and shows--but mostly in bit roles. And, sadly, Coughlin's career didn't last very long despite his being offered frequent roles in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He was hit by a speeding car and killed when he was only 30. And finally, like most exploitation films, the 'teenagers' in this film are all VERY old teens--and seeing actors in their mid-20s playing teens is good for a laugh.
A local high school is pretty much controlled by a rich young punk of a student (Kevin Coughlin). He is the supplier of pot and trend-setter on campus. At this same school is a 'cool' teacher (Fabian) who is concerned about pot but also thinks the school is overreacting (which contradicts the opening scene of the film). Heck, he's so cool that he, too, has tried grass and because of this the principal and police are obviously distrustful of him. Later, when this swell teacher has pot planted in his possession, things look bad...bummer. Can the campus go drug-free (or at least relatively drug-free) and Fabian avoid the Man?! Tune in and see...if you care.
This exploitation film from 1968 seems incredibly tame today--and even by 1968's standards it was already old fashioned and naive. In many ways, it's like a reworking of "Reefer Madness". While the behavior of the kids using pot aren't quite as over the top and silly as in "Reefer Madness", it isn't all that realistic--with a car careening off the road and down a cliff all due to pot use! And yet, it ALSO seems to be saying pot isn't all that bad (as Fabian, the enlightened teacher, says it's no worse than alcohol or cigarettes)!! What a weird dichotomy!! Well, I am NOT an apologist for pot use, but showing such ridiculously extreme results from marijuana use probably did more harm than good--making kids laugh at the film instead of avoiding the drug. And, saying it's no worse than cigarettes!! Wow. Now had they said frequent pot users act and think STUPIDLY, then I think the message would have been a lot more realistic. But, exploitation films always seem to go to crazy extremes to get their heavy-handed messages across.
So is the film worth seeing even if the message is heavy-handed? Well, perhaps, as it's definitely an interesting time capsule and great viewing if you like bad films (and, occasionally, I love a film like this). Plus, the twist at the end is pretty good and Fabian wasn't bad. But if you are looking for a clear and intelligent film, look further.
If you do watch, get a load of the gas station attendant. It's Gary Marshall--the same guy who brought us "Happy Days", "The Odd Couple" and many other shows of the 1970s. So, in addition to directing and writing, he's acted in quite a few films and shows--but mostly in bit roles. And, sadly, Coughlin's career didn't last very long despite his being offered frequent roles in the 50s, 60s and 70s. He was hit by a speeding car and killed when he was only 30. And finally, like most exploitation films, the 'teenagers' in this film are all VERY old teens--and seeing actors in their mid-20s playing teens is good for a laugh.
Be True To Your Cool School
bkoganbing20 February 2009
During his early career Fabian had some extraordinary luck to get to work with such screen immortals as Bing Crosby, John Wayne, Stewart Granger and James Stewart in between turning out fluff for the teenage market. As his teen idols had passed him by, Fabian must have wondered where those other guys were and how he could get into another film with any one of them while doing Maryjane.
The plot here's been done a gazillion times before for the drive-in trade. Fabian's a new art teacher assigned to the small town high school where a clique of 'cool kids' rule the school. The cool kids are headed by rich and spoiled Kevin Coughlin who can always get a good supply of marijuana which of course is Spanish for Maryjane and its got a lot of other nicknames as well.
Fabian's of a different generation than the older teachers and he admits to actually trying the stuff once. That gets him down as marked man for law enforcement. But it doesn't score him any points with Coughlin and company.
Fabian's got other problems as well, he's trying real hard to romance another teacher, Diane McBain, but she turns frigid on him. And he's trying hard to help young Michael Marotta who wants so desperately to fit in with Coughlin's bunch.
If you've seen these teen drive-in dramas before you know pretty much how it will all end. Except for McBain, she's a bit of a shocker, especially considering the times. Let's just say that this woman has some real issues.
Maryjane did not revive Fabian's career in Hollywood, when good teen idols are passé, they usually stay passé. What he wouldn't have given for another film with Jimmy Stewart right about then.
The plot here's been done a gazillion times before for the drive-in trade. Fabian's a new art teacher assigned to the small town high school where a clique of 'cool kids' rule the school. The cool kids are headed by rich and spoiled Kevin Coughlin who can always get a good supply of marijuana which of course is Spanish for Maryjane and its got a lot of other nicknames as well.
Fabian's of a different generation than the older teachers and he admits to actually trying the stuff once. That gets him down as marked man for law enforcement. But it doesn't score him any points with Coughlin and company.
Fabian's got other problems as well, he's trying real hard to romance another teacher, Diane McBain, but she turns frigid on him. And he's trying hard to help young Michael Marotta who wants so desperately to fit in with Coughlin's bunch.
If you've seen these teen drive-in dramas before you know pretty much how it will all end. Except for McBain, she's a bit of a shocker, especially considering the times. Let's just say that this woman has some real issues.
Maryjane did not revive Fabian's career in Hollywood, when good teen idols are passé, they usually stay passé. What he wouldn't have given for another film with Jimmy Stewart right about then.
Government Funded 60's Propaganda?
liveit1-718-20738920 April 2010
That's really what this film feels like, complete with evil stoner teenagers and some seriously cringe worthy "high" scenes, where the kids run around screaming or doing various things that no one in their right mind would think of doing while stoned (including binding peoples arms and feet and dropping them in a lake. What.) Perhaps Dexter and Gautier live in some kind of alternate reality where cannabis is actually a potent mix of crack cocaine and PCP.
It's a film that anyone who has smoked cannabis would laugh heartily at, but it seems quite frightening that people once seriously believed that marijuana is as dangerous as it is depicted in this film. It's an obvious step back from Reefer Madness, but every scene that includes marijuana is childishly naive and always completely unrealistic in terms of the drugs' effects. The untruthfulness of the entire film, the plot, script and numerous factual errors really detracts from the performance of the seemingly talented cast- but it simply is not possible to take the acting seriously when placed in such an outrageous context.
Brainwashing material for 60's youth is my call- it didn't work I suppose.
It's a film that anyone who has smoked cannabis would laugh heartily at, but it seems quite frightening that people once seriously believed that marijuana is as dangerous as it is depicted in this film. It's an obvious step back from Reefer Madness, but every scene that includes marijuana is childishly naive and always completely unrealistic in terms of the drugs' effects. The untruthfulness of the entire film, the plot, script and numerous factual errors really detracts from the performance of the seemingly talented cast- but it simply is not possible to take the acting seriously when placed in such an outrageous context.
Brainwashing material for 60's youth is my call- it didn't work I suppose.
Interesting
Ripshin8 August 2004
Frankly, I was expecting a laugh fest, but this flick is not too bad. Technically, it feels like a 60s TV movie, rather than a feature, but it is filmed well, and the acting is acceptable.
Actually, I enjoyed it mainly for its slice of 60s life and decor.
I had just watched "The Bad Seed" the night before, and didn't realize while watching this film that Patty McCormack plays the girlfriend of the "bad" teenager - she would have been in her early twenties by 1968.
I missed the first thirty minutes, and the bit parts by Garry Marshall and Peter Marshall, and for that matter, Teri Garr.
My main complaint would have to be that Fabian's teacher character does one stupid thing after another. For instance, he witnesses an ice cream truck man hand over a container of what turns out to be pot, to the student he suspects of dealing drugs, who then accidently drops it on the pavement, while scuffling. What does Fabian do, after already being falsely arrested for drug possession? HE PICKS IT UP AND TAKES IT HOME. In addition, every time he gets a lead on some drug situation going down, HE DRIVES THERE HIMSELF, rather than call the police. Granted, he wants to help one particular "nice" kid, but that doesn't require being an idiot.
The director is known for mild exploitation films, but in this case, he pulls it off without too many unintentional laughs.
I saw this on the FLIX cable channel today. (FYI - it's interesting to see what other films were lensed at the mansion seen at the end of this film. Check out the listing on the left.)
Actually, I enjoyed it mainly for its slice of 60s life and decor.
I had just watched "The Bad Seed" the night before, and didn't realize while watching this film that Patty McCormack plays the girlfriend of the "bad" teenager - she would have been in her early twenties by 1968.
I missed the first thirty minutes, and the bit parts by Garry Marshall and Peter Marshall, and for that matter, Teri Garr.
My main complaint would have to be that Fabian's teacher character does one stupid thing after another. For instance, he witnesses an ice cream truck man hand over a container of what turns out to be pot, to the student he suspects of dealing drugs, who then accidently drops it on the pavement, while scuffling. What does Fabian do, after already being falsely arrested for drug possession? HE PICKS IT UP AND TAKES IT HOME. In addition, every time he gets a lead on some drug situation going down, HE DRIVES THERE HIMSELF, rather than call the police. Granted, he wants to help one particular "nice" kid, but that doesn't require being an idiot.
The director is known for mild exploitation films, but in this case, he pulls it off without too many unintentional laughs.
I saw this on the FLIX cable channel today. (FYI - it's interesting to see what other films were lensed at the mansion seen at the end of this film. Check out the listing on the left.)
An entertaining bit of trash ssved by its audaciousness.
mark.waltz14 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Wow the plot of this anti-marijuana film has some elements of it that doesn't make sense, it's an entertaining, watchable film that is enjoyable simply because of how silly it all is and the dialogue that is so ridiculous that it seems that the writers were smoking what they were writing against. Some of the cast of the really bad "The Mini-Skirt Mob" (released the same year) join with Fabian and dramatizing the story of a high school plague with a pot problem. When Fabian is framed for pot possession, he has to set out to find who is responsible. He's a lot more liberable about pot usage Dan the faculty and administration of the school that are ridiculously pompous and out of touch with anything that affects people under the age of 50.
Diane McBain and Patty McCormack played sisters in "The Mini-skirt Mob" but don't share a scene in this. McBain is Fabian's love interest, and a twist about her character comes out of the blue. Like some of the 1930's anti-pot films, this completely exaggerates any kind of moderate usage, emphasized by the opening scene where two high teenagers speeding down the street hit someone who is killed, with the camera showing their bloody, battered body in a truly exploitive moment. The scene with the faculty and administration of the high school follows, and from there, it just gets more exploitive and a bit hypocritical considering other American International films on social drug use. The dialogue is hysterically bad, and that's probably a good thing because it makes the movie very entertaining in spite of how bad it is.
Diane McBain and Patty McCormack played sisters in "The Mini-skirt Mob" but don't share a scene in this. McBain is Fabian's love interest, and a twist about her character comes out of the blue. Like some of the 1930's anti-pot films, this completely exaggerates any kind of moderate usage, emphasized by the opening scene where two high teenagers speeding down the street hit someone who is killed, with the camera showing their bloody, battered body in a truly exploitive moment. The scene with the faculty and administration of the high school follows, and from there, it just gets more exploitive and a bit hypocritical considering other American International films on social drug use. The dialogue is hysterically bad, and that's probably a good thing because it makes the movie very entertaining in spite of how bad it is.
If only more teachers cared like Phil Blake
Tromafreak28 June 2008
Warning: Spoilers
That's right, I said it. Maryjane is an awesome movie, whats not to like? It has everything you could want in a semi-anti-marijuana propaganda film. Fabian plays an art teacher named Phil Blake, Phil is wise beyond his years. He can really set the young guys straight without coming off as a square. Jordan Bates doesn't think so, you see, Jordan Bates is apparently the Alpha bad ass of this particular High school, and not only that but his girlfriend is the bad seed. Not to mention Jordan has a posse, conveniently called Maryjane, so nobody but nobody messes with this man, with the exception of the big bad boys from Bay city, of course. Did I mention Jordan & his posse do a lot of pots, and they even push it, Jeepers!! But don't forget Lonely Jer. Jerry is a loner, but not by choice, Jerry doesn't seem to fit in anywhere. Everyones gotta fit in somewhere, Jer, says Phil. Well, I guess some place won't cut it, Jerry wants to be in Maryjane but unfortunately he hasn't the brains, ambition or guts to qualify for a such a prestigious clique. After tracking them down Jordan lets Jerry do some of their pots, as it would be a ball. Naturally, Jerry gets sick, because that's what happens when you do that sort of thing, Just ask Phil Blake. Meanwhile, our teacher is starting to fall for a co-worker he just recently met, and she doesn't even seem like she even wants him as an acquaintance. Come to think of it, Eli doesn't seem to care much for anything, oh well, the ice queens opinion of Phil is the least of his worries because the school faculty and some cop are totally ticked at him. They want him to join them in spying on the stoner's, but our teacher has too much integrity to do something like that, the stoner's trust is far more important to him than their lives. If that didn't ruffle everyones feathers enough, our teacher actually admits to "trying it in college, once". He actually thought they were intelligent enough to view it in it's proper context, oh well, this just isn't Phil's day, but our teacher is maintaining his cool. Unfortunately, Phil's night wouldn't be much of an improvement, because Phil is inadvertently framed for possession of marijuana by Jordan after a mix up involving Jerry and his quest for acceptance. Our teacher is now behind bars, with dope fiends and other riffraff. No worries, because Eli, the ice queen bails him out for no apparent reason. Now that he's out of jail it doesn't take our teacher long to discover that it is in fact Jordan Bates that's ruining everyones lives with pots. Meanwhile, Jordan is in fear of getting his head busted by the big bad boys from bay city, because, our teacher has wisely intercepted their stash of Acapulco gold. What is poor Jordan to do? Hey!! I know why not get that kid Jerry really stoned and send him with some wizard weed and hopefully they'll think he smoked the good stuff, and they'll kill him. Besides solving everything, it would be a ball. Hey great idea!! so thats what they do, but Jordans girlfriend, the bad seed doesn't like it, so he turns on her, it's all down hill from here. After confronting the ice queen, Phil discovers she is indeed no ice queen, Eli is a heroin addict. A heroin addict that maintains her addiction by providing pots to Jordan, what a world we live in!! And it's only 1968. From here on out, the name of the game is saving Jerry from getting killed, taking down Jordan Bates would be damn near impossible for most men, but not our teacher. a single backhand to the face did him in, you should have seen him, it was keen!! Phil, along with a teary-eyed, defeated Jordan find Jerry, half-beaten to death. Phil leaves Jordan there, so that "the boys" can bust his head, and probably kill him. Our teacher now carries Jerry away from the chaos, Jer is now finished with Maryjane, because he had a teacher that cared, we should all be so lucky.
what I want to know is, how long Fabian stood there holding Jerry in his arms and looking into his eyes after the credits. LOL
I honestly can't recommend this film enough, the acting is decent, the characters are likable, and there really isn't a dull moment that I can think of. Besides that, Maryjane is a chillin little movie with a subtle cheesiness and innocence that's kind of refreshing. Also, Maryjane doesn't spend a lot of time misleading the audience about pot, at least not to the extent of something outlandish like Reefer Madness, or Blood Freak. I would recommend Maryjane to anyone who likes anti-weed movies, pro-weed movies, or even just weed. Good luck finding it. 8/10 for Maryjane and an A+ for Fabian.
what I want to know is, how long Fabian stood there holding Jerry in his arms and looking into his eyes after the credits. LOL
I honestly can't recommend this film enough, the acting is decent, the characters are likable, and there really isn't a dull moment that I can think of. Besides that, Maryjane is a chillin little movie with a subtle cheesiness and innocence that's kind of refreshing. Also, Maryjane doesn't spend a lot of time misleading the audience about pot, at least not to the extent of something outlandish like Reefer Madness, or Blood Freak. I would recommend Maryjane to anyone who likes anti-weed movies, pro-weed movies, or even just weed. Good luck finding it. 8/10 for Maryjane and an A+ for Fabian.
Pothead teacher
ethylester23 December 2003
Fabian looks an awful lot like Michael J Fox.
The film was good and it made you realize how much times have changed. Attitudes about marijuana are not nearly as close minded as they were back then. A teacher admits to smoking pot once in his life and he gets called a "dope fiend" by the chief of police. The principal and the coach won't even talk to this man in the hallway anymore because he admitted this. They hold secret meetings about spying on students to catch the dope dealers. Nowadays, schools could care less if a kid or a teacher has smoked pot. Just as long as it isn't interfering with their work, it's ok.
I thought Fabian's character was a little over the top. He had too many things going on. One minute he's an art critic who admits to smoking pot, the next he's driving full speed out to meet some people at a drug deal to save a temper-prone, "sensitive" kid's life. And then he really pushes his luck with the hot lady teacher on a blanket by the ocean by literally forcing her to go on a date with him where he makes his moves way too fast. Then when she bails him out of jail, he doesn't dwell on the fact that she spit out $5000 for him, a guy she doesn't even want to talk to..? In the meantime, his voice remains calm while he keeps this very intense look on his face. This guy is all over the place and it doesn't make sense to me.
I did like the leader of the pot club, however. At first he seemed too much of a clean cut, white, dorky football star to be the drug dealer he was, but as the movie went on, it became more apparent why this "disguise" made sense. He really was a rebellious, pot smokin' jerk, he just didn't wear the costume. That would be too obvious and he was smarter than that.
The outcast, teen angsty kid did a good job acting like an idiot. He even had that idiot look in his eye like he is not taking in anything you are saying. When he gets wasted, he really plays the part well!
All in all, the movie is worth watching if you can find it. There are good twists and good characters in this film. Fabian's role has too much going on for me to find it realistic, but the other characters are pretty real. It's a teen drama. I wish there had been trippy pot scenes, but they just barely touch on that.
The film was good and it made you realize how much times have changed. Attitudes about marijuana are not nearly as close minded as they were back then. A teacher admits to smoking pot once in his life and he gets called a "dope fiend" by the chief of police. The principal and the coach won't even talk to this man in the hallway anymore because he admitted this. They hold secret meetings about spying on students to catch the dope dealers. Nowadays, schools could care less if a kid or a teacher has smoked pot. Just as long as it isn't interfering with their work, it's ok.
I thought Fabian's character was a little over the top. He had too many things going on. One minute he's an art critic who admits to smoking pot, the next he's driving full speed out to meet some people at a drug deal to save a temper-prone, "sensitive" kid's life. And then he really pushes his luck with the hot lady teacher on a blanket by the ocean by literally forcing her to go on a date with him where he makes his moves way too fast. Then when she bails him out of jail, he doesn't dwell on the fact that she spit out $5000 for him, a guy she doesn't even want to talk to..? In the meantime, his voice remains calm while he keeps this very intense look on his face. This guy is all over the place and it doesn't make sense to me.
I did like the leader of the pot club, however. At first he seemed too much of a clean cut, white, dorky football star to be the drug dealer he was, but as the movie went on, it became more apparent why this "disguise" made sense. He really was a rebellious, pot smokin' jerk, he just didn't wear the costume. That would be too obvious and he was smarter than that.
The outcast, teen angsty kid did a good job acting like an idiot. He even had that idiot look in his eye like he is not taking in anything you are saying. When he gets wasted, he really plays the part well!
All in all, the movie is worth watching if you can find it. There are good twists and good characters in this film. Fabian's role has too much going on for me to find it realistic, but the other characters are pretty real. It's a teen drama. I wish there had been trippy pot scenes, but they just barely touch on that.
FABIAN!
BandSAboutMovies2 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Once, when I was a kid at the roller rink, we had to wait to get inside for a few minutes and some kids were smoking cherry flavored cigars. I was sure they were marijuana and went home in tears, telling my parents. I was a narc. A nine-year-old narc! And I blame movies like this.
How weird is it that this warning about the dangers of drugs movies was made by American-International Pictures, the same studio that made The Trip a year before?
Maury Dexter also made The Mini-Skirt Mob, The Young Animals and Hell's Belles for AIP, which are less preachy than this one, which at least has Fabian in it as a teacher who everyone is convinced is hooked on the pot when its really his students. Speaking of bad kids, Patty McCormack is in this. She belongs to the Maryjane club, who all have their own buttons, along with an incredibly young Teri Garr. I have to say, I do love that the kids in this aren't sneering maniacs. They're nomal students.
I've never met an art teacher who also coaches football and my dad was an art teacher, so I should know.
That said - this was written by Dexter and Peter Marshall. Yes, the same guy who hosted Hollywood Squares.
How weird is it that this warning about the dangers of drugs movies was made by American-International Pictures, the same studio that made The Trip a year before?
Maury Dexter also made The Mini-Skirt Mob, The Young Animals and Hell's Belles for AIP, which are less preachy than this one, which at least has Fabian in it as a teacher who everyone is convinced is hooked on the pot when its really his students. Speaking of bad kids, Patty McCormack is in this. She belongs to the Maryjane club, who all have their own buttons, along with an incredibly young Teri Garr. I have to say, I do love that the kids in this aren't sneering maniacs. They're nomal students.
I've never met an art teacher who also coaches football and my dad was an art teacher, so I should know.
That said - this was written by Dexter and Peter Marshall. Yes, the same guy who hosted Hollywood Squares.
Surprisingly Good
ivan-2221 December 2000
I didn't expect to like this movie. Drugs do not fascinate me. So, was I surprised when I found myself liking everything about the film: acting, directing, music, camera. Each scene stands on its own feet, each character is interesting and well-played. "Maryjane" can teach movie makers a thing or two about the seventh art! Firstly: don't be so crisp and neat. Compared with "Maryjane" most other films are laughably polished, yet they fall short of art. "Rebel Without a Cause" is too pretty to be artistically successful. The clockwork is too obvious. The same goes for countless other movies, especially "Laura". "Maryjane" has that rare dreamy quality of "Carnival of Souls". Without trying hard, it achieves something ineffable. It's a shame that this movie, which represents the best of that unique, slouching late sixties esthetics is not available on DVD or even video.
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