The Hangup (1968)

Hello, I'm Stan Museio. During my service as a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, I became quite familiar with the number of problems and issues facing today's youth in America. One problem which is becoming an expanding menace is the use of drugs by young people in our society. Why some of them resort to this form of gambling with their lives and minds is as complex as young people themselves. Some try it for kicks, others use it to run away from the frustrations of our mixed up world. Either way, the results often prove tragic, as you will see in this film. Keep in mind that the events in this movie have not really happened. The characters are professional actors and the incidents are contrived. But what the use of marijuana and LSD can lead to is very, very real. That's why it is important to see this danger now. Now when we still have time to avoid it. [Music] And so it began with the nightmare that had become more real than life itself. For this man, it was soon the end. But for others, it is yet to begin. >> Excuse me, doctor. These are the two men waiting to see you. >> This is special agent Parker from OSI. Doctor, how's the sergeant? >> Critical. >> Could you tell me what happened? >> He's been here a week. The complaint was he'd been hallucinating. >> He wrapped up a car. I don't understand it. He's always been a tough man. And this last month, >> he wouldn't talk to us about it. And since there wasn't anything wrong organically, we assumed a psychiatric cause. >> What changed your mind? >> Nothing seemed to check out. Then last night, the delusion suddenly came back again. He said there was poison in his stomach and he had to cut it out. He was pretty badly mutilated. >> I've never seen anything like that before. Then Major Ryan brought me this. >> We're going through his Foot Locker to send some things over to him. Found them. That's when I call the OSI. There's your real poison. Drugs. >> Well, we'll have to run these through the lab. >> The Lord knows what else he's been taking. >> Kids don't understand what can happen to him. >> And neither do we. We still don't know the long range problems. Damage inside the bodies that may not show up for you. Excuse me. Surely, >> what concerns me is they forget the law. A man jeopardizes his clearance if he's found with this stuff. >> Once he's on record, he's in the files for life. When he applies for a job after the service, >> someone does a file check. >> May find his drug violation. What's worth that? >> When can I see him, doctor? >> Not yet, I'm afraid. I'll have to let you know. It may take some time to get the story on this man. Even we don't know the full story on these hallucinogenic drugs. It depends upon this boy's personality. If he was on LSD, he may never come back from this trip. And even if he does, we don't know what it's done inside him. >> What about that marijuana we found? >> They use it to cop out on their problems. Becomes a crutch. >> Unfortunately, it's a crutch that breaks the law. Doctor, it's important I see him as quickly as possible. We have to find the source. >> Thank you, doctor. A new generation was on the scene and some had decided to make pot and pills their own special kick. It all checked out. Amphetamans to bring him up, barbituates to take him down, and for slow motion marijuana. All of it was bad medicine. [Music] I can't stop you. No matter what I try to see, it comes another sleepless night. Maybe I was wrong. Love you girl so long. Before it was over, the leads would reach out to many. The first was to begin here in a place, a time, a situation not unfamiliar to most. It was this man who would make it different. Trust me, Genie, you'll see. You think you feel good now? You don't know anything. This stuff's gold. That's real Akapulco gold. And there ain't nothing in the world that even comes close to it. >> Please, Ernie. I didn't want to. >> What? Are you a baby? The whole world's turned on. >> It scares me. >> But there's nothing to it. Look. >> Maybe next time. >> Now, baby. Now. This does really manicure it. It costs more, but the kick's better. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. I can really feel it now. Oh my god. >> Yeah. >> Take me along. >> I can see you now, Genie. I can really see you. You're beautiful. You're the most beautiful girl in the world. Come, turn off your troubles. Let your mind relax. Just go drifting. >> Can it hurt me? >> Can being happy hurt you? It's the same thing. >> Are you sure? Well, there's only one way to find out. Of >> course, if you're afraid of your mom and daddy. Oh, take it easy, honey. You can have it. Take it easy. Oh, it ruins my eye. >> Just for a minute, it'll go away. Just take it easy. It's funny the taste. >> Oh, I feel sort of dizzy. Should I >> just give it time? How do you feel now? >> I don't know. I thought I thought it was supposed to make you feel good and laugh. Oh, if anybody had ever told me >> and they said I'd be smoking pot, you know what I would have said? >> You're crazy. >> That's what it is. It's crazy, man. You got it just right. It's groovy. >> How do you feel? >> Me? I'm floating like a balloon. >> Not me. >> Like a balloon. We're like balloons. Hey, you better hold on. You liable to float clean out of sight. >> Coming so cool. >> I'm floating. Just floating. Beautiful. You sure are beautiful. Why can't it always be like this? Blue skies, lollipops. [Music] A man's hangup is his own property. Sooner or later, in his need to find help, each comes out of his private hiding place to reveal himself. >> All right. Thank you, Lieutenant. >> Yes, sir. >> Anything else? Is the report all right, sir? >> It wasn't you'd have heard about it? >> Yes, sir. It's just that I'm new at this base and in my last assignment, we prepare them a little differently. >> Have I complained? >> Oh, no, sir. >> All right, Lieutenant. Thank you. >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> You want me to burn you a little? No, >> you look all shook up. >> It wouldn't kill him to say it was a decent job. I worked half the night on it. >> We're lucky to have you. >> Look, >> I'm not putting in for a medal, but the last commander I had, he knew you were around. You knew where you stood. >> I know. I know. A pat in the back, and you were willing to break it for him. I had one like that. Young second lieutenants have to be nursed, he said, brought along delicately. >> Is that what you want? >> Well, what's wrong with it? If I followed up, let him burn me. But if I do the job, I wouldn't mind hearing about it. >> Not him. He figures you're assigned here. He doesn't hold your hand and he doesn't play papa. >> Oh, come on, Benton. Why don't you relax a little? What have you got to be worried about? >> Nothing. >> Lieutenant Benton speaking. You've got the wrong extension. >> You're bucking for a breakdown, buddy. Slow it up, will you? Insecure, unsure of himself. The more he takes, the more he will need. He wants to turn his fearful world into a happy one. But the price comes high. Just as there are those who try to help him, there are those who will exploit him. The assignment was first to find those who do exploit him before his time runs out. >> Okay, we're just leaving. [Music] >> West request landing instructions. Over. >> Air 400 81 report downwind leg runway 30. 424 460. Report wheels down. Clear to land. >> Roger. Air Force 2211. >> Air Force 2211. You're cleared. Runway 36. Wind 310 degrees at 15. Altimeter 3 02. Report left downwind. >> 08. Roger. >> Hello. >> Hey man, I'm on duty now. You know that. >> Yeah, but I told you not to call here. Well, sure. I'm always interested in a package from home. >> Look, I'm off in 2 hours. I can meet you then. >> Yeah. What's your address again? >> Okay. >> Sergeant. >> Sergeant, can you hear me? >> Sorry. I'm afraid there's nothing he can tell you today. >> Well, someone has to or he won't be the last of them. >> I have no complaints. I'm glad none of you have either. >> Hey, [ __ ] How you do? >> I guess I'm a little early, huh? >> It's all right. Fix yourself a drink. >> Just don't let down on your end. >> I have no complaints. We'll get you all the distribution you need. See you then. So long, [ __ ] >> So long, friends. Glad >> a trucker stop at my diner. I can move a lot of it. And the kids, too, over the weekend. They got the money. >> Keep at it, Joe. I'm disappointed in you, boy. I thought by now you'd have been with the smart money, like those cats who just left. >> My mama told me never to be a pusher. >> Fine. Fine. That's a very uplifting way of life. But how about those air boys who are out working for me? Don't they love their mamas, too? >> Just my regular order, Finch. Got it right here. All genuine. Prices gone up. You understand? Inflation and all that. >> How much inflation? >> $50 worth. >> Oh, come on, man. You're pricing me out. >> Going to business. Get some of it back. Aapokco golds and some reds and white. >> Look, I'm taking a chance with all that. One of the commanders been making some noise about that sergeant that wigged out. They're worried about accidents. Even guys breaking security. I mean, if a head can't handle himself. What are they going to do? Empty everybody's pockets? Do we have a dealer? Don't we? >> You're squeezing me, Finch. Another $50. >> Forget it. No sale. >> Now, wait a minute, William. Just wait a minute. >> Well, okay. >> Smile, hero. >> You're just getting started. >> Boy, like you can really go a long way. >> You really got a thing going, haven't you? >> For all of us, boy. For all of us. Wait a minute. I want you to meet someone. >> Come on out, will you? >> Say hello to Doris. >> Why not? >> Doris is a hostess. Those parties you've been running at the apartment. Doris can help you. >> She going to light up the matches, right? >> She light up the room. Her and a couple of friends she'll bring along. Can you get some guys over there Tuesday night? >> No sweat. >> The place is yours. >> I've got a little present you can have at a special price. >> What is this? Bargain day. Time you graduated, boy. >> What's in there? >> Acid. Here's your chance to take a real trip. >> Look, with pot you come back. But LSD, don't you read, man? It does things to you. I mean, you can freak out. >> Scare talk. >> No, it does things to you having kids. >> All I know is they're using it like it's going to disappear tomorrow. We can sell all we get. >> Takes a big man to make that scene. Ernie, >> what does it look like? All right. Good. Oh, look. I got to go. I got a customer. I'll see you later. >> I'm sorry, Lieutenant. I can't refill this without a prescription. >> But I'm all out. I need them. >> I can't, Lieutenant. All amphetamans have to be okayed by a doctor. You understand? >> Well, no, I don't. These were given to me by a doctor. >> All he has to do is say you can have some more. I know you've got a job to do. I appreciate that. And you're right. Of course you are. I don't blame you. >> Thank you, sir. But I've got a job to do, too. Now, that's the whole problem. Look, I've been working on something very important. I've been busting my gut on it. >> Lieutenant, the doctor gave me some pills to help me out. I told him how long I'd need them, but I underestimated the job. >> Lieutenant, I I only need a few more just to keep me going for tonight. Tomorrow, I'll check in with the doctor and make it all official. Now, couldn't you help me out with just a few? >> I'm sorry, I can't. OSI Parker speaking. >> Oh, yes, doctor. >> You can see your man now if you want to. >> He's recovered enough for you to question him. >> Right. Thank you. Guess I'll be right over. How do you fully understand all your legal rights as I've explained them to you? >> The drug you took. Where did you get it? Who sold it to you? What's his name? If you don't help us, someone else is going to get hurt. Just his name. Finch. Finch. His name is Finch. >> Dave, >> I thought you were an Okinawa >> baby. I am an Okanawa. Baby, you're three. >> What's the problem? >> No problem. >> Genie, >> you said a party. >> You ever seen a better one? That's from a real party where we could dance and have some fun. >> Well, we'll have plenty of fun in games. >> No, Ernie, I don't want to. >> Sure you do. Like last time. Come on. You're my girl. I >> We don't have to do that. >> Well, of course we don't have to. Like, we don't have to live either. >> Please don't. >> What's with you anyway? >> Isn't it just enough to be with me? >> What's that got to do with it? >> I want you to see me. I mean, really see me. Can't that be enough? You said I was pretty. >> I said beautiful. >> Come on. Be a good girl. >> Well, once was enough. I was curious. But now I know. And it doesn't do anything for me. >> But you hardly even touched it. >> Well, I was ashamed to tell you, but that night I went home and got sick. >> What do you know about it? >> Well, enough to know that if you don't need it, it does nothing. Nothing at all. >> What's this needing it? You keep saying that. Nobody needs this. This isn't heroin, you know. Become an addict. I can take it or leave it alone. >> Only you take it. >> Look, this is a party. We both got to smoke. >> No. Um, >> what are you, some kind of pure little angel? You better than me? Is that it? >> I don't want to fight. It's just that I liked you. I'll go home. >> Now, wait a minute. What do you think you're doing? You think I need to do this? Didn't you hear me? I don't have to. >> You keep saying that, but you keep doing it. Maybe you're not an addict, but you depend on it. It's the only time you feel like something. >> I don't need it. I just happen to like it. >> I ask you not to take it tonight, but you wouldn't listen. Why? What are you frightened of? Can't you just be a man with me? A real man? Do you have to fill yourself up with something first? >> What do you know? You're just a stupid kid. Stupid. Listen, I'm going to let you in on a little secret. You think this world turns out the way you want it? Well, wake up. This world stinks. It's put the knife in the other guy before he puts it in you. Don't you know that yet? Where have you been? I know your type. The perfect American family. Everybody sitting around the table and the papa making jokes. Well, you're the bunch of hypocrites. All of you. >> Poor Ernie. Poor frightened Ernie. I've been in there for [Music] Down down down. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] [Applause] Heat. Heat. [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] Heat up here. [Music] [Applause] Further questioning had succeeded in providing us with the first name of the man for whom we were searching. Now, a network of law enforcement agencies would be put to work in an effort to discover the man behind the name. At OSI headquarters, the request was prepared for electronic transmission to the investigation's record center for the Department of Defense. A file check revealed that the suspect had been given a dishonorable discharge on charges of black marketeteering in Germany. [Music] Air Force 0451 cleared to enter traffic runway 36. Report downwind base leg. Air 451. Roger. Runway leaving 3000 right 260. [Applause] [Music] 081 >> Air Force 00451 report wheels down cleared to land. >> It's been a full week since his first experience with LSD and without warning, the delusions have returned. FBI files disclosed that the last recorded address for the suspect Finch was in San Francisco. He had once been arrested, however, with a woman named Doris Welby, whose last known address was in the same city in which the air base is located. The Federal Bureau of Narcotics with the cooperation of the local police, had placed ours well beyond immediate surveillance. No. >> You okay? [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] 424 touch over >> alter 3 02 report left downwind. Okay. Air Force 00451. Roger. One. >> Air Force 0145 request clearance. >> 4 to 4460. Report wheels down. Clear to land. >> Page back 11 approaching initial right brake. Request clearance. Over. >> Page back 11. Cleared to enter traffic runway 36. Report left base length. >> Page back 11 approaching initial right break. Request instruction. Over. >> Dashing 11. Cleared to enter traffic runway 30. >> Dashing one, reporting approach left base. Leg over. >> Dashing 11. Cleared to enter traffic runway 30. Report initial right brake. >> Dashing one reporting approach. Left base. >> Page back 11. Cleared to land. Runway 36. Wind 330 degrees at 15. >> 27. Departure 817. >> Pace back one. Preparing final approach runway 36. Page back one. Preparing final approach runway 36. Over. Dashing one. Cleared to land. One. >> Cleared to land runway 36. Runway 36. >> Separate those aircraft. >> Get one to break right. >> Separate those aircraft. >> Separate those aircraft. >> Those aircraft to break right and go. >> Heading to the same spot. >> Separate those aircraft. >> Get those aircraft. Separate. >> Dashing pull up. Break right and go around. >> Page back 111. Go around. Say again. Go around. [Music] >> I think you better come along with me. >> Roger. Contact center now. 2 0.3 [Music] [Applause] >> a control tower on a routine day. Anywhere it could have been an office, a campus, a busy highway, a factory assembly line. Anywhere the actions of one affect the lives of others. The problem of drug abuse in our society will not disappear if we simply ignore their existence. The film you have just seen is one step the armed forces has taken to alert their people to the tragic consequences of gambling with these dangerous drugs. Every thinking American must be made aware of the problems. The solution of course is learning to live in our world as it is and by the way we live. Making it a better world for ourselves and future generations. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music]