Death Drug

Death Drug

Year: 1978

Runtime: 73 mins

Language: English

Director: Oscar Williams

Drama

His first hit comes with no price, launching a Los Angeles dream of becoming a star singer. After signing a major record contract, fame and money flood in, but he quickly develops a PCP addiction that jeopardizes his career and personal life.

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Timeline & Setting – Death Drug (1978)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Death Drug (1978). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Venice, California park; Nightclub; Nursing home; Supermarket

The film centers on Venice, California, opening with a park scene in a busy urban setting and then moving through nightlife and everyday locales. Key locations include a nightclub where Jesse's music career flourishes, a nursing home where his father is cared for, and a supermarket that becomes the site of a pivotal and tragic sequence.

🌆 Venice urban setting 🎶 Nightlife venues 🏥 Care facilities 🛒 Shopping locations

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:20

Main Characters – Death Drug (1978)

Meet the key characters of Death Drug (1978), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jesse Thomas (Philip Michael Thomas)

A plumber with big dreams who becomes a celebrated musician after securing a Crown Records contract. His ascent is overshadowed by a growing angel dust addiction that distorts his reality, fuels paranoia, and alienates his loved ones. He ultimately dies in a street accident while under the influence, leaving behind a widow and child.

🎭 Ambition 🧪 Addiction 💀 Tragedy

Drug dealer (Frankie Crocker)

The dealer who introduces Jesse to angel dust and feeds his habit, capitalizing on his vulnerability. He remains an active presence in the drug market even as Jesse's life spirals, highlighting the persistent danger of addictive substances in the community.

🧪 Addiction 💰 Exploitation

Record executive (Robert Burgos)

An executive at Crown Records who recognizes Jesse's talent but hesitates to intervene as his addiction worsens. He embodies the pressures of the music industry and the profit-driven mindset that can overlook an artist's welfare.

🎬 Industry 💼 Business

Newscaster (Larry McCormick)

A TV news anchor delivering the update on Jesse's death and later interviewing executives, framing the tragedy for the audience. His role underscores the media's role in shaping public memory of addiction and success.

🗞️ Media 🗣️ News

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:20

Major Themes – Death Drug (1978)

Explore the central themes of Death Drug (1978), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💊 Addiction

Angel dust addiction catalyzes Jesse's downward spiral, beginning with a single free puff and growing into a consuming habit. The drug's effects distort his perception, erode trust, and jeopardize both his career and relationships. The narrative traces how addiction hijacks ambition and distorts reality, culminating in a fatal collision with his own fantasy.

🎤 Fame

Jesse's ascent to fame—an album that wins a Grammy and goes double platinum—appears glamorous but hides a fragile foundation. The success magnifies his dependence, making his personal decline more dramatic. The story questions whether public achievement can coexist with personal ruin.

🌀 Hallucination

The drug-induced visions turn ordinary objects into surreal threats, and ordinary scenes into unsettling distortions. Hallucinations interrupt recording sessions and daily life, illustrating the fragility of Jesse's grip on reality. The imagery blurs the line between inspiration and madness.

📰 Media & Consequence

A news bulletin frames Jesse's death as a cautionary tale and prompts interviews with Crown Records executives. The media portrayal reflects interest in tragedy and accountability, revealing the tension between artistry, commerce, and addiction. It also shows how fame stories are packaged for public consumption.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:20

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Unlock the Full Story of Death Drug

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Death Drug Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Death Drug, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Death Drug Summary

Death Drug Timeline

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Death Drug Timeline

More About Death Drug

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