

Movie spotlight
Assassin of Youth
A high-school girl gets involved with a ring of teenage marijuana smokers and starts down the road to ruin. A reporter poses as a soda jerk to infiltrate the gang of teen dope fiends.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young woman travels to Hollywood seeking a new life but falls into a world of drug addiction and crime. Her descent is shown through a series of increasingly desperate and dangerous situations. The film attempts to portray the perils of marijuana use and the underbelly of the entertainment industry.
Critical Reception
Assassin of Youth is a notorious exploitation film, widely considered one of Edward D. Wood Jr.'s early, low-budget efforts. It is known more for its sensationalist portrayal of drug use and its often amateurish filmmaking than for critical acclaim. It has gained a cult following over the years due to its historical context as a "reefer madness" film and its association with Wood's later, more famous works.
What Reviewers Say
Seen as a primitive example of "drug scare" cinema.
Features lurid and often unintentionally humorous depictions of marijuana's supposed effects.
Hailed by some for its earnest, albeit misguided, attempt to warn against drug use, and by others for its sheer camp value.
Google audience: Audience reception is largely focused on its historical significance as an early propaganda film about marijuana. Many viewers find it fascinating from a cult film perspective, noting its dated and melodramatic approach.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
This film was made before Edward D. Wood Jr. gained notoriety for directing films like 'Plan 9 from Outer Space'; it is often cited as an early example of his distinctive, low-budget filmmaking style.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources