Narcotic (1933)

Narcotic, as the introductory passage informs us, is a cinematic cry for public awareness about the global battle against drug addiction. This film takes audiences on an unfiltered descent into the abyss of debauched indulgences, portraying the life of Dr. William G. Davies. Once a promising medical student, Davies' career takes an unfortunate turn after an encounter with opium. The film opens with a riveting scene where Davies, in his prime, saves an unborn child through an emergency cesarean operation following a fatal car accident involving the mother. This intense scene, complete with raw medical footage, sets the stage for his descent into addiction. Davies' first brush with opium occurs during a seemingly harmless night of relaxation in a Chinatown opium den, and this proves to be his undoing. Soon, he becomes a captive to his cravings, his medical practice crumbling as he divert his focus to peddling "medicine by demonstration." With a dubious cure-all "Tiger-Fat," Davies transitions into a carnival showman, drawing crowds with his charismatic salesmanship. His initial carnival success allows him to rub shoulders with the elites, leading to the film's most jarring sequence: a drug-fueled party in a swanky hotel room. The party spirals into a chaotic frenzy as each guest partakes in their drug of choice, leading to a spectrum of reactions that highlight the destructive nature of drug use. In a haunting finale, the film portrays the harrowing consequences of Davies' addiction. Once vibrant and ambitious, Davies is reduced to a gaunt and broken man, living in squalor, with the past life he once knew forever out of his reach. Narcotic paints a stark and sobering picture of drug addiction, an unforgettable journey into the dark underbelly of society.

Narcotic is a crime movie featuring Harry Cording and directed by Vival Sodar't.

Narcotic is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Tubi TV and it's also available on Cultpix, FlixFling and Night Flight Plus.

It is also possible to buy Narcotic on Amazon Video and FlixFling.