One thing is for sure. When you find yourself watching an anti-marijuana drama, and at some point, one of the characters tastes some pot after buying a batch just to see if it's the good shit or not, then, you know you've found something worth watching. A film called Mary Jane was made in the late 60's. A time when America was just starting to become less and less anti-marijuana, as well as less likely to fall for obvious bullshit. So, you can already tell Mary Jane never had a hell of a lot going for it. Today, this film might appeal to those of us who love a bad, cheesy movie, but such a film with so little self awareness had very little purpose when originally released. But having a soft spot for pointless and underseen little films like this, I just got to throw this out there. So, today, we're going to talk about Mary Jane.
First of all, Fabian is in it. Now, I'm not sure what this guy's deal was. I mean, he was in a lot of movies in the 60's, but it's unclear to me as to why he doesn't have a last name. Was he a massive star like Madonna or Prince? Considering Mary Jane is part of his filmography, I highly doubt it. But he seems okay. In Mary Jane, Fabian plays young teacher, Phil Blake. A nice guy who actually wants to be a friend to his students. Phil is an art teacher, as well as assistant coach for the football team. On this team, there are several members of a clique of potheads who regularly make trouble. This gang of would be-delinquents is headed by preppy little cocksucker, Jordan Bates, who is very much aware of how much the coach needs him and his burned out pals, and regularly takes advantage of the favortism the coach is forced to show them. However, Jordan and his gang get no favortism from Phil Blake.
Several things are happening in this film which are all intertwined. First, Lonely Jerry, who recently struck up a friendship with Mr. Blake, wants in Jordan's pothead club more than anything in the world, because he feels like he doesn't fit in anywhere else. Well, Jordan and pals aren't interested in depressed fags, and at first, they tell the kid to shove off. But after discussing it further, they decide to jerk him around for a while, and make him think he has a shot. Making him go through all sorts of "initiations". One member thinks "That would be a ball". I couldn't have said it better myself.
Secondly, Mr. Blake has his eye on a fellow teacher. A pretty little blonde by the name of Elli Holden. A nice enough woman. She's polite to him, and agrees to hang out. They sort of go out on a day-date. Well, actually, he accompanies her to go visit her dad in a nursing home. She even makes him wait outside. Despite no signals being sent by Elli, Mr. Blake still decides to go for it and makes his move. Not only is he shot down, but Elli is visibly upset, and this pretty much ended the so-called date. As far as we can see, Elli Holden is merely an ice queen. Either way, Mr. Blake's attention would be better served elsewhere.
Which brings us to the main storyline. The pot has become a big problem in this town, and mainly, with the teenagers at this particular highschool. Their abuse and all around irresponsible behavior is getting out of hand. One girl recently died in a pot-induced car accident, and nobody knows who is supplying this drug that is causing all this trouble. Us viewers knows it's that rotten little sonofabitch, Jordan Bates, but he's got everyone else fooled. Meanwhile, the faculty holds a meeting to figure things out. Teachers are pressured by the police chief to spy on students in order to find out where they're getting their stash from, but Phil Blake speaks out against this method and lives to regret it, as everyone now thinks he's a raging pot addict who is possibly behind all of this.
As far as silly, anti-pot movies go, this one is actually pretty reasonable in the end. Focusing not so much on the evils of pot, but the fact that teenagers are abusing it and fucking up. Everyone but Phil Blake acts like they're all smoking meth. He admits to the faculty that he smoked it once in college but has no interest in doing it again, but he's immediately made a pariah by the police chief, while nobody has his back out of fear of receiving the same treatment. It seems as if this movie has a deeper message than just the anti-pot thing. It's better to think for yourself and be an individual than a follower and a coward. Be happy with yourself and always do what you feel is right no matter how it makes you look.Also, I should mention that Jordan's sweet-natured girlfriend, Susan, was played by none other than Patty McCormick. Better known as Rhoda from The Bad Seed. One of my all time favorite Horror movies. She grew up to be a pretty cute chick, I must say. The legendary Terri Garr also graces us with her presence in this, playing a minor role as one of Jordan's followers. Everyone is pretty great in their roles. Especially Fabian as the laid back teacher with integrity who genuinely wants to make a positive difference in young lives. And as I said, This is a very out of place anti-drug movie, and the fact that it never gained an audience is not surprising. But much like it's main character, Mary Jane at least seems to have meant well. 6/10
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