Shooting Stars: Drugs, Hollywood and the Movies

“An eminently sensible read that should remain a benchmark volume.”—Independent on Sunday

From 1920s marijuana mayhem through the heroin chic films of the ’90s, Shooting Stars investigates the drug myths propagated in movies. Shapiro asks not only whether films have glamorized drugs, but shows the clear but complex links between censorship, public morals and the Hollywood dream machine, from Reefer Madness through The Man with the Golden Arm and on to films such as Panic in Needle Park. An invaluable and unique work of reference, which will be of use to students and teachers of media studies as well as film buffs.

Harry Shapiro was born in London and has worked in the drug field for over 20 years. He now lives in London.