Cheech and Chong created the template for all future stoner comedies with this, their first film. Tommy Chong is wannabe drummer ‘Man’ Stoner, who leaves home rather than deal with his parents’ ultimatum of a regular job or military school. Picked up hitch-hiking by Pedro de Pacas (Cheech Marin), these kindred spirits are soon skinning up. However, a shortage of grass leads them unknowingly into a smuggling plot, pursued by zealous sergeant Stedenko (Stacy Keach).

More a series of sketches than a coherently plotted film, Up in Smoke showcases the easy-going and amusing repartee between its heroes. (Notes by Kevin Coyne.)

This film is screening as part of Drugs, the second of our three-month season dedicated to excess, presenting examples of how cinema has taken on sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll in Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.