RiffTrax Brings "Reefer Madness" Back to Theaters on August 19 ( MST3K treatment of a cult classic )

Associated Content.com ^ | August 17, 2010 | Steven Bryan

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

For years, the stars of "Mystery Science Theater 3000" found the funny in films that were never intended to be comedies. A poorly-written B-grade science fiction film like "This Island Earth" was, for instance, perfect fodder for the MST3K guys.

On August 19, Michael J. Nelson, Bill Corbett and Kevin Murphy will be back in theaters for live RiffTrax presentation of "Reefer Madness." A notorious propaganda film from the 1930's, this over-the-top movie shows the horrors that come with smoking marijuana.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Limited release. It's only in 4 theaters in my state. Thought I would let MST3K fans know.

[eclecticEel]

How bizarre, I just finished with watching “Hercules vs. the Moon Men” (a so-so episode) and then I see this.

[PeaceBeWithYou]

From a chicken in every pot to pot for every chicken.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

For trailers and show info, go here

http://www.fathomevents.com/comedy/event/rifftraxreeferlive.aspx?utm_source=RiffTrax_ReeferLive&utm_medium=Banner&utm_campaign=ReeferLive_FathomPage&gclid=CPfKp-Hy9qICFSYRswod9Db-gw

[Salamander]

Two favorites lines from MST:

“Canada; our mortal enemy” and

“OMG...it’s a cult and they worship blue oysters!”

Loved that show and hated the SciFi Channel [or “SyFy” for those who were too stupid to pronounce the original name] when they canceled it.

[libertarian27]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cK4dIgZFpsc
A taste

These guys are still active, bumped into a post here a month ago - videos listed under Rifftrax.

[Ted Grant]

This is the posse led by former head writer and host Mike Nelson. Freepers may be pleased to know that I read in an interview once that he (and his wife, a MST3K writer) are very conservative.

[Frantzie]

I got a vibe that they had to have been conservative. It was so clever. Anyone know if the old shows stream on the web somewhere or are on NetFlix. I do not use netflix or watch many videos anymore but MST3K would be worth it.

[Frantzie]

It is all over Florida. I could find about 9 theaters close to me!

[Hildy]

OMG..Reefer Madness...in 1975 I was elected President of my Sophomore High School Class. For our main fundraiser we decided to show REEFER MADNESS. To promote the movie, some of my friends made posters with things like Bloodshot eyes, smoke coming out of someone’s mouth, etc. We never actually said the name of the movie, but we put “COME SATURDAY NIGHT” on all the posters. Good, huh? Oh no...

So, the day before we were going to announce what it actually was, all the posters were taken down. Apparently, one of the lunch ladies thought we were promoting a POT PARTY at someone’s house and told the principal who had all the posters taken down. Hence, the fundraiser was a disaster and being the 1970’s, talk of impeachment came up. Yes, they tried to impeach me!!! LOL! It’s so funny now. I was not impeached, but it wasn’t one of my finest moments.

I’ve been thinking about this lately because I’m thinking of running for office in 2012. I think this would be a fun story to tell people!!! What’s the lesson? Even if you have a great marketing plan, make sure you run it by the right authorities!

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

Yes Mike Nelson and his wife are conservatives. His wife supposedly is in a Christian group in San Diego. I was telling my liberal friend this and I think he was a bit dismayed and we both agreed Mike Nelson is the funniest riffer.

[arthurus]

When I saw it the theater was chokingly redolent of and hazy with illicit smoke.

[Beowulf9]

They want to legalize marijuana, and therefore want a propaganda film to show how ridiculous the opposition of it is.

[arthurus]

and it was in a triple feature with “Who Was That Masked Man” and “Bambi vs Godzilla.”

[Beowulf9]

But the opposition isn’t ridiculous. What is ridiculous is a people who spend their time getting high when their civilization is crashing in ruins all around them.

Well, take a puff, it’ll be a great distraction for the freedoms really taken.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

IIRC it was the number one midnight movie until “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” replaced it. Where I live it usually doubled with a variety of cult films.

[Rainbow Rising]

I’ve got my ticket. Can’t wait for the show. Last year they did Plan 9, and it was hilarious.

[Hillarys Gate Cult]

Are you referring to “Thank You Mask Man” the Lenny Bruce animated Lone Ranger parody classic?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tjWYEMQ70w&feature=PlayList&p=D7937B614BD13849&index=0&playnext=1

“Bambi vs Godzilla” for those who never saw it;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpBkc2jK-6w&feature=related

Both were USA Network’s “Night Flight” favorites back in the 80s.

[MCH]

Yeah, I vaguely remember seeing Reefer Madness at a midnight showing many years ago as well - around about the same era that Rocky Horror Picture Show was doing its midnight rounds. Most of what I remember about Reefer Madness was that it was so over the top it was ridiculous. One part I do remember specifically was a young hoodlum smoking a joint, becoming maniacal (crazy eyes), jumping in his car, driving like a lunatic, and running down some poor old lady. Don't remember much more than that. Getting old I guess :).

[arthurus]

That’s the one.