For His Son (1912) User Reviews

The REEFER MADNESS of its day.

[reptilicus · 7/10 · 10 May 2005]

An exploitation film from D.W. Griffith? Yes, and it's good too! He spoke out against society's shortcomings with movies like A CORNER IN WHEAT (1909), WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH OUR OLD? (1911) and ONE IS BUSINESS, THE OTHER CRIME (1912) but with the film I am here to-night to talk about he tackles drug addiction and corporate greed at the same time in a movie which dramatically illustrates how good intentions can go horribly wrong.

Okay it is common knowledge now that back in "The Olde Days" Coca-Cola really did have cocaine in it. People would belly up to the soda fountain, put down a nickel and say "Gimme a shot in the arm." In fact before it was declared illegal you could buy cocaine over the counter at almost any pharmacy. A dime bought you 1 snort and a quarter got you 3!

In our film Charles Hill Mailes plays a respectable doctor and a devoted father, Charles West is his son. Dad is a competent physician but far from rich and sonny boy is always after him for pocket money. In the real world dad would say "Get a job!" to his lazy kid but hey, this is an exploitation movie and Mr. Griffith has a point to make. So his son will never lack for things dad invents a new soft drink with cocaine added to give people an added boost of energy. His calls his new concoction . . . no not Coca-Cola, that name was already taken; he calls it "Dopokoke". Quicker than you can say "snowbird" his drink is a success and he is rolling in money. Unfortunately one of his best customers is his own son and soon the debilitating effects of the coke on his system begin to show. The boy's fiancée (17 year old Blanche Sweet, a Griffith regular) gives him back his ring but in less than a minute he romancing his dad's secretary!

Dad is blind, or worse yet, uncaring to what is happening to the people who buy his product, concerned only with his newfound wealth. In one scene he walks right into the camera smiling maniacally and clenching his fists as if he is taunting the movie audience with how rich and powerful he has become. In opposition to this Griffith also shows us the ravaged victims of people who now cannot do without the drink. Meanwhile day by day his son is turning more and more into a wasted shell of his former healthy, happy self. Will the devoted but misguided father learn his lesson? What will become of his son? Will there be a happy ending? I wouldn't bet on it if I were you!

The era of the scare exploitation film was still in the future and in the late 20 and early 30's we would get movies like THE PACE THAT KILLS (1928), NARCOTIC (1932), COCAINE FIENDS (1935), REEFER MADNESS (1936) and so on. D.W. Griffith got there first though and this film is still as effective and dramatic to-day as it was then.

One of the customers in the soda fountain scene is future movie director Christy Cabanne. He would go on to direct things like the old-dark-house thriller ONE FRIGHTENED NIGHT (1934) and THE MUMMY'S HAND (1940) and many others.

Why Do You Think They Call it "Dopokoke"?

[wes-connors · 5/10 · 12 November 2007]

Good physician Charles Hill Mailes is always generous with only son Charles West; but, the latter spends his father's money like it's going out of style. In order to keep his son's lifestyle luxurious, Mr. Hill Mailes invents Dopokoke "For His Son". Dopokoke is a cocaine-laced soft drink. With the drug included, Dopokoke is a smashing success! Robert Harron mans a busy Dopokoke fountain, where Mr. West and his friends enjoy quite a few pops. West's fiancée wards off the stuff, but secretary Dorothy Bernard succumbs. Soon, there are junkies among the cast…

This is a relatively highly entertaining early D.W. Griffith film, as it deals with the cocaine addiction. It was, likely, a topical film subject for Griffith; in the past, the drug was legal; and, it was once rumored to have been included among Coca-Cola's "secret ingredients." Otherwise, the film is a morality play - note that the father is aware of the danger in Dopokoke; and, he uses the drug for selfish reasons, which come back to haunt him. Ms. Bernard gives the stand-out performance, as the father's secretary.

***** For His Son (1/22/12) D.W. Griffith ~ Charles Hill Mailes, Charles West, Dorothy Bernard, Robert Harron

DW takes a swing at a corporate giant.

[st-shot · 7/10 · 15 December 2010]

Coca Cola may not "have taught the world to sing" by 1912 but it's given a full frontal assault in this cautionary tale about misplaced parenting and soft drink addiction.

A doctor can't do enough for his spendthrift near do well son. The kid likes to party hearty and since it's all about keeping his son happy he creates an addictive soda pop for the ages, Dopokoke. The pop is provided by a poisonous cocaine additive and it soon becomes the rage. The doctor now has enough cash to keep his son spoiled and happy but he and his fellow swells soon fall under the addictive and destructive power of the inebriate at the local soda fountain. Hooking up with dad's secretary the son and she embark on a road to ruin. When the old man realizes what he has done (to his son, the public be damned) it is too late.

For His Son moves fast from invention to annihilation but not before Griffith presents us with well defined characters both "respectable" and drug addled. The father comes across as a community pillar but is more than willing to sacrifice strangers to keep his son in green. Son and secretary's down hill spiral is graphic for its time and I'm sure gave many a parent second thoughts about buying the pause that refreshes for their kids with this kind of aftertaste.

A touch hysterical in its pronouncements For His Son is a decent enough cautionary tale for its time as well as a document that flies in the face of one of the world's biggest corporations who has spent a century denying and evading the fact that its early success worked on the same principle as the street level drug dealer: get the customer hooked. A century later both enterprises continue to flourish.

"The awful result of criminal selfishness"

[Steffi_P · 6/10 · 23 June 2008]

One of the more bizarre entries in the DW Griffith canon, For His Son is a moralist, social-evil cause-and-effect cautionary tale, in a similar vein to 1909's What Drink Did?, although not quite so ridiculous as that earlier film, and certainly far more skilfully made. It attempts to draw a line from the spoiling of greedy children to drug addiction, and ends up as an only moderately entertaining social drama.

Despite its odd subject matter, by 1912 there really was no longer such a thing as a bad Griffith picture, because by now he had his method honed down to an effective formula – particularly in the composition within the frame, and the ordering of shots. He favours, perhaps a bit too much here, shots with a figure seated in a chair in the screen-left foreground, balanced with something like a bookshelf or a doorway on screen-right. In fact many of the shots tend to look a little too samey, although this does emphasise a common thread, and creates a more distinct contrast in the very differently arranged bar set.

What makes For His Son in one respect stronger than an earlier "issue" film, What Shall We Do with Our Old?, and more reminiscent of the incredible Corner in Wheat, is that it uses cross-cutting to contrast the personal experience with the social. So we see customers in a bar flocking to buy the new drink, and then cut to the established characters succumbing to addiction. It's a very effective way to get a message across. Where For His Son loses points however is in the hammy acting performances, the general silliness of its subject matter, and the fact that in spite of these flaws it takes itself absolutely seriously.

"He did not care whom he victimised until he found the result of his dishonour at his door"

[ackstasis · 6/10 · 11 August 2009]

'For His Son (1912)' is one of D.W. Griffith's most unusual Biograph shorts. At first, I thought that he was aiming to produce an ironic farce: a distinguished physician (Charles Hill Mailes), in order to satisfy his leeching son's (Charles West) demands for cash, invents a carbonated drink laced with cocaine, and he calls it "Dopokoke." Well, I certainly laughed. But Griffith carries forth with a solemn face, ultimately punishing the "criminal selfishness" of the devoted father with extreme prejudice. Oddly enough, the story isn't even far-fetched: I was startled to learn that the original Coca-Cola formulation (for that is undoubtedly the beverage under trial here) did, in fact, contain substantial amounts of cocaine, but that was before the drug's health risks became widely known, and certainly before its sale was prohibited in the United States in 1914. Griffith's main motivation behind this film appears to be one of public service, in the same manner with which he condemned corporate greed in 'A Corner in Wheat (1909)' and inadequate policies for the elderly in 'What Shall We Do with Our Old? (1911).'

The one thing I found most interesting about 'For His Son' is how ruthlessly Griffith condemns the physician. Financially crippled by his son's constant demands for money, the loyal father only then turns to commercial enterprise to provide for his family. But then, I suppose, vanity and selfishness soon intrude upon his fatherly devotion. The physician is later introduced by the banner "Blind to the effects of his greed," and is shown mugging directly into the camera, fists clenched and cigar in mouth: a classic Griffith image of corporate gluttony. Until this moment, I had fully expected the son to be branded the selfish villain, but instead he is portrayed as a victim, controlled and later destroyed by his cocaine addiction. Despite approaching the subject matter with a straight-faced obstinacy that simply demands ridicule, Griffith shows a strong command of the developing cinematic language. Particularly impressive is a series of cross-cuts designed, not to provoke suspense as in 'The Lonedale Operator (1911),' but to emphasise the widespread scourge of the Copokoke beverage, as both main characters and nameless extras fall victim to its evils.

Once Again Dorothy Bernard Handles Her Role With Gusto!!

[kidboots · 7/10 · 24 January 2015]

Cocaine was sufficiently news worthy and sensationalized in 1912 for a Prohibition act to be passed on it in 1914. This movie precedes Douglas Fairbank's "The Mystery of the Flying Fish" and is another of D.W. Griffith's cautionary sensation shorts. Charles Hill Mailes is a physician who gives his all to his son (Charles West) but that isn't enough for the selfish boy and the weak father can't keep up. He decides to concoct a soft drink called "Dopokoke"!! - the secret ingredient being cocaine. Obviously the idea is to get patrons wanting more so his fortune will be made - the downside is his son has become addicted!!

While Blanche Sweet plays the son's long suffering fiancée, once again the unsung Dorothy Bernard is given the only role with any gusto. She plays the doctor's prim secretary who is shocked to learn that cocaine is the "miracle" ingredient - that doesn't stop her becoming an addict and then eventually eloping with the son "united in their vice"!! It wouldn't be a moralistic tale without a "dire consequences" ending which leaves the doctor a sadder but wiser man!!

Melodramatic Story That Keeps Your Attention

[Snow Leopard · 27 August 2001]

This short feature is quite melodramatic. It does keep your attention, but it rather strains plausibility at times in its attempt to make its point (which is still valid in itself). As you would expect, D.W. Griffith knows how to make the most of the idea, so it does make for interesting viewing.

The story centers on a doctor who, in his desire to give his son everything that the son wants, is tempted to compromise his professional ethics. Griffith tells the story that follows with skill, making it worth watching, but nevertheless this one comes across as a bit more forced than usual.

Possibly more interesting than the story itself is the topic, which was timely in 1912 and which is still of some interest now. The issues involved, though, are dealt with rather differently than they would be in a present day movie. Here, the whole question revolves around morality and intentions, and barely (if at all) concerns questions of legality. This is one of a number of interesting features from the era that deal with issues on that level.

First to Attack The Beverage Industry

[springfieldrental · 6/10 · 29 March 2021]

Biograph Studio's January 1912 release of "For His Son" wasn't the first anti-drug movie attacking the use of illicit narcotics. Several earlier films had addressed the opium, morphine and cocaine addiction used in its purest form. What the D. W. Griffith "For His Sons" addressed for the first time in cinema was the soft drink industry and its enhancement of placing cocaine into its product as a stimulant. Despite new United States food laws tamping down the amount of narcotic additives used in everyday commercial products, there still were amounts of drugs found in carbonated beverages and liquored drinks designed to give the products a boast.

Coca Cola and similar drinks were the target of Griffith's look at Dopocoke, a veiled symbol for all soft drinks using pick-me-up additives (and just not caffeine) that were permissible at the time. This cautionary tale shows a father who is running out of cash to support his college-bound son. He concocts a soft drink with a secret ingredient (cocaine) that soon becomes a best seller. Named Dopocoke, the beverage turns addictive, sending customers flocking to the pharmacies where it's sold instead of taverns because of the kick. Griffith takes this motif to the extreme, which shows the drink destroying pending marriages and causing premature deaths.

Griffith does use his cross-cutting expertise editing skills by illustrating a wide variety of action going on at the same time. Because of his unique and exciting methods of illustrating a story, Griffith movies by 1912 displayed such confidence that his Biograph films set him apart from his contemporaries.

For His Son review

[JoeytheBrit · 6/10 · 23 June 2020]

In order to fund his spendthrift son's lifestyle, a physician creates Dopakoke, a soft drink that becomes a huge success. But the reason for it's success is the fact that it's laced with cocaine and is highly - and destructively - addictive. Another moralistic tale from D. W. Griffith that is laden with irony, but at least avoids his customary sentimentality. Blanche Sweet plays the son's girlfriend.

Shades of Reefer Madness!

[pauleskridge · 7/10 · 6 February 2024]

Seven stars. But that's because I see this as a comedy. Griffith clearly meant it as a cautionary tragedy. But DOPOKOKE? Really? I was laughing from the get-go. And then the whole thing devolves into some sort of demented presage of Reefer Madness, complete with twitchy nose-rubbing, and descents into bad grooming. I got ahold of the Years of Discovery discs from the library, and have been going through them. Quite a few, I've seen before, but this is one of several I'm watching for the first time. And this is the weirdest of the lot (Okay, excepting "Those Awful Hats"). Griffith made some great intentional comedies ("Her First Biscuits", for instance), but here's a great accidental comedy! 6 February 2024.

What the....???

[planktonrules · 4/10 · 3 February 2010]

Wow, did this short by D.W. Griffith go off in a bizarre direction that I hadn't anticipated!! The film begins with intertitle cards which indicate that a doctor has a spoiled son who spends money like mad. So, to let his son continue living this lavish life, the doctor decides to create and market a narcotic soft drink--"Dopokoke". It's a huge success, as it being laced with cocaine guarantees repeat business!! By the end, you see that the son and his new wife are hopeless coke fiends!!!

There's no doubt that the idea of this short was spurred on by the fact that Coca-Cola DID contain small amounts of coke until around the turn of the 20th century. However, it was not in huge amounts, was not horribly addictive and did not leave people shells of their former selves because of drinking it! A bit of an exaggeration to say the least.

Despite being a stupid short, it is entertaining!!

For His Son was one of D. W. Griffith's early effective drama shorts

[tavm · 8/10 · 3 August 2009]

This was one of D. W. Griffith's early Biograph shorts that he made before becoming famous (or infamous) for The Birth of a Nation. In this one, a young man's father, in order to provide his son plenty of money, invents a drink called "Dopakoke" to sell at various drinking fountains in drug stores. Guess why it's called that particular name. Anyway, the secretary is among the ones that grows addicted to the drink and the son is not too far behind...Quite an effective social drama for the soon-to-be-important director even today and a not-so-subtle attack on what was once in the actual supplies of Coca-Cola during that drink's first years of success. So on that note, For His Son is worth seeing.

Brief Work by the master filmmaker anticipates Dwain Esper and Reefer Madness

[Kieran_Kenney · 6 May 2003]

This was an interesting little fim to watch. I knew it was a topical subject, with cocane-filled soda causing problems at army bases and creating general nation-wide controvercy. See (or hear, rather) commentary on the years of discovery DVD for more information.

For His Son is a crude film, but it's campy and enjoyable by today's standards. I recomend it for anyone who is interested in Griffith's pre-Clansmen work.

Dramatic Controversy from a Master

[IMDBcinephile · 8/10 · 21 June 2011]

"For his Son" 1912 chronicles on Charles' wholehearted appreciation for his son and giving him everything he wants. It's pretty simple and well- read, as most of the old Biographs are but this one denoted a very bizarre idea that I didn't expect - and that was the theme of addiction.

I know there was many motifs and themes that were utilized in the work of Griffith and how he always gave it his concrete attention to flesh it out; for example, "Sealed Place" which use intercutting to make the theme of hope, love and freedom to be the only way to triumph through; he used children to elicit the emotions in "The Border States" to aid the wounded soldier, where we wouldn't feel as touched without that compulsory touch. "For his Son" addiction is predicated on "Dopakoke" which trails "poison" into a carbonated soft drink filled with caffeine; it's almost like Scorsese's "Casino" or "Departed" when its drug abuse is precedented, at this point the whole idea was controversial.

The son is so otherworldly and this then leads to consequences which shrivel him up and make him cloudy in thought and when the cumulus clouds die down he is eventually in an unhealthy state.

It was interesting, as I was drinking Cola and then watching this transpire... of course, the buzz was obviously fascinating to Griffith in it that he could use the after effects with the cause and effect with ease. It's anecdotal, it's mystique, obviously not today, but at that time. But the real idea of addiction is really obsolescent today in it and the whole propaganda is weird to witness. But it could apply to more inducing or intoxicating substances, and that certainly strikes me as powerful and especially due to the fact that cocaine was filtered through cola at that time.

Anyway, this is not Griffith's best Biograph but it does peak your interest in that contemporaneous idea of what the movie is depicting. Characters are static and the acting is not half as ham-fisted as you are normally used to seeing in his movies, so this is an atonement to say the least. While not as innovative, "For his Son" is a more obscurer and lesser avant garde excerpt but it does show the way Griffith would employ controversy in his later works, including "Musketeers of Pig Alley" and of course "Birth of a Nation".

A freshness of interest that makes it deeply interesting

[deickemeyer · 13 August 2016]

A very significant picture. It has a clearly seen purpose and is in fact a tract; but it has dramatic qualities and besides a freshness of interest that makes it deeply interesting. A new, soft drink, "Dopocoke," has been placed on the market by a doctor and its tremendous success as a "bracer" has made him rich. The secret was, it had cocaine in it. This doctor had brought up his son badly and he was a mere spender. The doctor put out the "soft" drink knowing that he was preying on peoples' souls, but he needed the money for this precious son. The picture powerfully suggests the widening grip of the Demon Cocaine as the bottles of "Dopocoke" multiply and people begin to get the habit. The boy gets the habit, becomes a wreck and dies and then the old man has no son, but he is still rich. The roles of the doctor and of a stenographer are, at most moments, very suggestively filled. The son is also played pretty well and the lesser office figures. The photographs are good; it is of full length and will serve as a feature. It might be advertised as a strong arraignment of harmful soft drinks. - The Moving Picture World, February 3, 1912