"Reefer Madness" is a 1936 exploitation film revolving around the tragic events that follow when high school students are lured by pushers to try "marihuana". The film was directed by Louis Gasnier and starred a cast composed of mostly unknown bit actors. It was financed by a church group and made under the title "Tell Your Children". The film was intended to be shown to parents as a morality tale attempting to teach them about the dangers of cannabis use. However, soon after the film was shot, it was purchased by producer Dwain Esper, who recut the film for distribution on the exploitation circuit. The film never gained an audience until it was rediscovered in the 1970s and gained new life as a piece of unintentional comedy among cannabis smokers. Today, it is considered a cult film.