Movies Under the Influence

"Movies under the Influence" explores the intertwined histories of American cinema and mind-altering substances from early film to the 1970s. The book examines how both have been shaped by and responded to cultural, legal, and societal forces, highlighting the dual roles theaters played as spaces of entertainment and illicit activity. It also considers the complex relationship between film, intoxication, power, and social control, offering a nuanced perspective on the cultural significance of cinema in America.