Up in Smoke (1978)

Two stoners unknowingly smuggle a van - made entirely of marijuana - from Mexico to L.A., with incompetent Sgt. Stedenko on their trail.

Directors:

Lou Adler, Tommy Chong (uncredited)

Writers:

Tommy Chong (as Thomas Chong), Cheech Marin

Stars:

Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, Strother Martin

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cheech Marin	...	Pedro
Tommy Chong	...	Man
Strother Martin	...	Mr. Stoner
Edie Adams	...	Tempest Stoner
Harold Fong	...	Chauffeur
Richard Novo	...	Richard
Jane Moder	...	Jail Bait
Pam Bille	...	Jail Bait
Arthur Roberts	...	Arresting Officer
Marian Beeler	...	Judge Gladys Dykes
Donald Hotton	...	Bailiff
John Ian Jacobs	...	Prosecuting Attorney (as Jon Ian Jacobs)
Christopher Joy	...	Curtis (as Christipher Joy)
Ray Vitte	...	The Band: Bass - James
Michael Caldwell	...	The Band: Guitar - Duane

Storyline

Cheech and Chong meet up by chance on the highway somewhere in California. They go in search of some dope and are accidentally deported to Mexico where in their desperation to get home they agree to drive a van back to the States so they can get back in time for a gig they are due to play. Unaware of the properties from which the van is constructed they make their way back having aquired a couple of female hitch-hikers whilst all the time avoiding the cops whom they are not even aware are following them.

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Plot Keywords:

cheech and chong | vietnam war veteran | low budget film | black comedy | absurd comedy | 

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Taglines:

It will make you feel VERY funny!

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Spanish

Release Date:

15 September 1978 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cheech and Chong's Greatest Hits

Filming Locations:

Henry's Tacos, 11401 Moorpark St., Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Gross USA:

$44,364,244

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Debut theatrical feature film of actress Ellen Barkin.

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Goofs

After Cheech picks up Chong at the beginning, Cheech's ring disappears and reappears and Tommy Chong's bandana shifts position on his head between shots.

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Quotes

Pedro: [laughing while stoned] Way anchor! How much does it weigh? I don't know, I forgot! pffhhh! Ha ha I saw that in a movie once...!

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Crazy Credits

The opening credits are in the style of spray-painted graffiti, super-imposed over Pedro's low-rider.

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Connections

Followed by Things Are Tough All Over (1982)

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Soundtracks

Searchin'
Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
New Lyrics by Cheech Marin & Tommy Chong
[song title uncredited]

User Reviews

Stoner Comedy Classic

This is one of the greatest "stoner comedy" classics of all time. I rated this movie a 10 because it's current rating of 6.4 is an injustice to the comic genius duo that created it. It has it's weak moments but the overall strengths have influenced everything from "Dumb and Dumber" to "Half Baked" to "Harold & Kumar" ad infinitum. Cheech and Chong put their strongest stand up material on film and created a masterpiece of counter-culture satire that has yet to be surpassed. If you've never smoked weed, this movie probably isn't for you, though you still might find it humorous. This is a film for anyone who's been there and done that. It encapsulates a moment in modern Americana where drugs offer freedom and punk rock is the only redemption for alienated youths. These points are driven home with Abbot and Costello style absurdity and slapstick shenanigans as well as some very witty and inventive dialogue. I highly recommend this movie to anyone seeking drug related humor or a look into the mindset of young people in the late 70s.