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Alice - a trippy 1971 anti-drugs PSA
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Alice - a trippy 1971 anti-drugs PSA

Alice's Curious Journey in Wonderland

The Beginning of Curiosity

  • Alice, intrigued by a white rabbit, follows him and falls into Wonderland, setting the stage for her adventure.
  • The narrative reflects on how curiosity can lead individuals to unexpected places, drawing parallels between Alice's journey and modern experiences.

Encountering Strange Objects

  • Alice discovers various items in a medicine cabinet, questioning their purpose and reflecting on societal norms regarding substances like cigarettes and alcohol.
  • She contemplates the nature of these items as things that alter perception or feelings, leading to her realization about the dangers they may pose.

Transformation and Identity

  • After consuming something that changes her size, Alice feels disoriented about her identity; she recognizes she's not quite herself anymore.
  • Her confusion deepens as she interacts with others in Wonderland, expressing uncertainty about where she belongs.

Conversations with Characters

  • A conversation ensues where Alice seeks direction but is met with riddles; this highlights the nonsensical nature of Wonderland.
  • Characters introduce themselves as mad beings living in Wonderland, emphasizing themes of madness and identity transformation.

Reflections on Growth and Change

  • Alice expresses frustration over her changing sizes and identities while grappling with questions about growing up.
  • The dialogue reveals deeper anxieties about fitting in and understanding oneself amidst chaos.

Time and Substance Use

  • Discussion shifts to time management within Wonderland; characters suggest that substance use is intertwined with their perception of time.
  • The Jack of Hearts attempts to escape from authority figures, symbolizing rebellion against control through addiction.

Substance References

  • Characters discuss various drugs (amphetamines, barbiturates), illustrating how they cope with reality through substance use.
  • There’s an exploration of the consequences of drug use—feeling good versus crashing—highlighting the duality of pleasure and pain associated with addiction.

Conclusion: The Dance Between Reality and Illusion

  • As characters invite Alice to join them in their escapades involving drugs, it raises questions about reality versus illusion in one's life choices.
  • Ultimately, there’s a sense of urgency conveyed through repeated phrases urging Alice to return home before it's too late.
Video description

Curious Alice was an anti-drug PSA made back in 1971 by the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare. Its message is somehow lost through all the cool animations and funs. The film shows Alice as she toured a strange land where everyone had chosen to use drugs, forcing Alice to ponder whether drugs were the right choice for her. The “Mad Hatter” character represents Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), the “Dormouse” represents sleeping pills, and the “King of Hearts” represents heroin.