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)
Christipher Joy	...	Curtis
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:

marijuana | cheech and chong | stoner comedy | vietnam war veteran | low budget film | 

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Taglines:

You'll be rolling in the aisles!

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Genres:

Comedy | Music

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Harry Dean Stanton had a small role as a jail guard who tries to sell "reds", or Seconal, which are downers, to Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong while they're in jail, but the scene was later cut. It has since been restored to the film during its run on TMC cable station.

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Goofs

After getting pulled over by the stoned motorcycle cop, the scenes repeatedly switch back and forth between Chong in the driver's seat to Cheech in the back of the truck with the girls where there is only a curtain separating them. But from the back, the view beyond the curtain should be that of bright daylight but is instead total darkness indicating the back of the truck is a set.

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Quotes

Arresting Officer: Sir, could I please see your license?
Pedro: Whuut?
Arresting Officer: Your license. Where's your license?
Pedro: It's back there on the bumper, man!
Arresting Officer: No, I mean your DRIVER'S license.
Pedro: Oh yeah, I got the bullshit back here man...
[gets license with great difficulty]
Pedro: Hey I thought'a somethin' really funny, man... Your mother!
[laughs]
Arresting Officer: [after dirty look, of course] Sir, what's your name?
[...]

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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

Referenced in The Cinema Snob: Friday the 13th, Part 3: 3D (2014)

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Soundtracks

I Didn't Know Your Name Was Alex
Music and Lyrics by Cheech Marin & Tommy Chong
[song title uncredited]

User Reviews

THE definitive stoner flick

First of the Cheech and Chong movies is probably the best overall, with the duo involved in a plot to drive a van constructed entirely of pot across the Mexican border into the US and featuring Cheech singing "Earache my Eye". Lots of laughs (especially for the "inspired" viewers), but definitely not for everyone. The whole movie revolves around drug use, so not a movie for young children, obviously. However, if you don't mind this, you'll probably laugh your you-know-what off.

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

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$44,364,244

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

86 min

Sound Mix:

Mono Dolby SR (5.1)

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1