The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness
Synopsis
The life of man is poor and nasty. A few plants give temporary relief: marijuana, alcohol, and opium. After a history of opium, including the 19th-century Opium Wars, we learn of the discovery of heroin; the rest of the film examines heroin trade and addiction in the U.S. Two tons a year enter the U.S., with only 100 pounds interdicted. Most is used in New York City. Interviews with customs officials, prosecutors, medical doctors and junkies provide points of view. The harsh 1956 law and the medically-oriented law of 1966 are contrasted, with the film on the side of treatment and rehabilitation. It ends with advocating reducing use here and finding other cash crops for farmers abroad.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
January 1, 1972
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- William Templeton
- Screenplay & Story
- Don Peterson
- Original Title
- The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 22m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
William Templeton
Don Peterson
Department Leadership Roster
Don Peterson
Writer
William Templeton
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness about?
The life of man is poor and nasty. A few plants give temporary relief: marijuana, alcohol, and opium. After a history of opium, including the 19th-century Opium Wars, we learn of the discovery of heroin; the rest of the film examines heroin trade and addiction in the U.S. Two tons a year enter the U.S., with only 100 pounds interdicted. Most is used in New York City. Interviews with customs officials, prosecutors, medical doctors and junkies provide points of view. The harsh 1956 law and the medically-oriented law of 1966 are contrasted, with the film on the side of treatment and rehabilitation. It ends with advocating reducing use here and finding other cash crops for farmers abroad.
Who directed The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness was directed by William Templeton.
Who stars in The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness?
The principal cast of The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness includes Paul Newman.
When was The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness released and how long is it?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness was released in 1972 with a total runtime of 22m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).