Watch The Cocaine Fiends

The Cocaine Fiends is a 1935 American exploitation film directed by William O'Connor, starring Lois January, Noel Madison, and Sheila Bromley. The movie deals with the dangers of cocaine use and its effects on individuals and society as a whole. The story centers on Warren, a young medical student who becomes addicted to cocaine after experimenting with the drug. He starts to lose control of his life and falls into a downward spiral of addiction, crime, and violence. Warren's addiction causes him to lose his job, his girlfriend, and eventually, his sanity.

The movie highlights the dangers of cocaine use and how it can ruin lives. It portrays drug addicts as dangerous and lacking in moral fiber, a common theme in early 20th-century drug propaganda. The Cocaine Fiends is an example of the "reefer madness" genre, which became popular in the 1930s and 1940s and aims to scare the public away from drug use.

The film begins with a warning from a doctor about the dangers of cocaine. The opening credits are accompanied by ominous music, setting the tone for the grim story to come. The movie takes place in a seedy neighborhood filled with drug dealers, gamblers, and prostitutes. The characters are all morally ambiguous, making it difficult for the viewer to sympathize with anyone.

Warren is the protagonist of the story, but he is far from a hero. He is a weak and impressionable young man who becomes easily influenced by his peers. His descent into addiction is gradual but disturbing. He starts out innocently enough, using cocaine to improve his work and studies, but soon becomes addicted and desperate for his next fix.

As Warren's addiction worsens, he starts to lose control of his behavior. He becomes paranoid, violent, and erratic, causing harm to himself and those around him. His girlfriend, Claire, tries to help him, but his addiction has become too strong, and he continues to spiral out of control.

The Cocaine Fiends uses dramatic cinematography to heighten the film's tension. The camera focuses on the characters' faces, highlighting their expressions and emotions. Close-ups of Warren's trembling hands and dilated pupils show the physical effects of his addiction. The movie also uses lighting to create a sense of foreboding, making the setting feel ominous and dangerous.

The acting in The Cocaine Fiends is over-the-top and melodramatic, which is typical of exploitation films from the time period. Lois January's portrayal of Claire is particularly memorable, with her exaggerated facial expressions and hysterical behavior. Noel Madison plays Nick, Warren's drug dealer, with a smarmy charm that makes him both despicable and oddly likable.

The Cocaine Fiends is notable for its gritty portrayal of drug addiction and the seedy underbelly of society. It was a controversial film upon its release and has since become a cult classic. While its depiction of drug use is exaggerated and sensationalized, the movie's underlying message about the dangers of drug addiction still resonates today.

Overall, The Cocaine Fiends is a fascinating look at early 20th-century drug propaganda and exploitation films. Its portrayal of addiction and its effects on individuals and society is still relevant today, making it a cautionary tale worth watching.

The Cocaine Fiends is a 1935 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 2 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.6.