Narcotic (1933)

Produced outside the studio system for very little money, this supposed educational film warning against drug addiction is instead a sordid plunge into everything the Motion Picture Production Code tried to prevent America from seeing. Loosely based on the life of William Davies (the producer's uncle), the film follows the seedy downward spiral of a medical student whose debauchery takes him through opium dens, a carnival freakshow, brothels, and drug parties. Despite the obvious kitsch value and amusing slang, NARCOTIC remains surprisingly bleak, delivering still- shocking imagery along the ride.