Maryjane (1968) in the PNW

Details: Written by: Mortado; Category: The 1960s in Northwest Cinemas

This is a collection of media from the initial runs of "Maryjane" (1968) in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle also got "The Trip" and "Wild Angels" while Portland got "Riot on Sunset Strip" and "Devil's Angels."

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Maryjane (1968)
"Maryjane" (1968), directed by Maury Dexter, is a cautionary tale wrapped in the trappings of a teen melodrama, reflecting the anxieties of its era. Set in a small-town high school, the film follows a well-meaning art teacher who becomes entangled in a web of suspicion and scandal when he’s falsely accused of marijuana possession. What begins as a straightforward narrative about drug use among teenagers quickly evolves into a broader commentary on authority, generational divides, and the fragility of reputation.

The film’s tone is earnest, even didactic, clearly aiming to serve as a moral warning against the perceived dangers of marijuana. Yet, its execution often veers into the melodramatic, with exaggerated depictions of youth culture and drug use that echo the sensationalism of earlier exploitation films like Reefer Madness. Despite this, "Maryjane" manages moments of genuine tension and pathos, particularly in its portrayal of the protagonist’s isolation and the institutional pressures he faces.

Fabian, cast against type as the beleaguered teacher, delivers a surprisingly grounded performance that anchors the film’s more outlandish elements. The supporting cast, including Diane McBain and Michael Margotta, add texture to a story that might otherwise feel one-dimensional. Dexter’s direction is competent, if not particularly daring, and the film benefits from some striking location work, including scenes shot at the Doheny Mansion and along the California coast.

Critically, "Maryjane" occupies an odd space—it’s both a product of its time and a reaction to it. Released by American International Pictures, the same studio that produced the more psychedelic and permissive "The Trip" just a year earlier, the film seems to serve as a conservative counterbalance, reinforcing traditional values while acknowledging the cultural shifts of the late 1960s.

While it may not hold up as a nuanced exploration of drug culture, "Maryjane" is a fascinating artifact of mid-century moral panic, offering insight into how mainstream media grappled with the counterculture movement. Its blend of sincerity and sensationalism makes it a compelling, if uneven, watch.
Director: Maury Dexter
Writers: Maury Dexter, Dick Gautier, Peter Marshall
Stars: Fabian, Diane McBain, Kevin Coughlin

March 20, 1968 ad (Portland)