Australian
Screen

an NFSA website

Pure S (1975)

play
clip The benefits of methadone

Original classification rating: R. This clip chosen to be PG

Clip description

During a live TV debate, Dr Wolf (Max Gillies) defends his use of methadone to treat addicts. At his clinic we see the effects of the treatment, as two patients in a stupor try to play table tennis, aided by orderlies.

Curator’s notes

A deeply satirical take on a serious debate. Most of the cast were inexperienced actors, but Max Gillies was a trained actor, whose character was based on a well-known figure in drug rehabilitation at the time.