Rare Ginsberg Footage in 1967 LSD Documentary

Another vintage gem via You Tube.  Allen appears at the beginning of this 1967 British television documentary from Granada television – a special episode of “World In Action“, ITV’s groundbreaking documentary series, this one focusing on the then-contemporary and controversial subject of burgeoning widespread LSD use in America at that time. Pro- and con- perspectives are presented. The primary focus is, naturally,  Timothy Leary, “America’s high priest of LSD and its passionate public defender”.  Contrasting with his views (and with Leary’s consort (“fellow missionary”),  Richard Alpert (later Ram Dass), are the considerably more skeptic observations of the University of California ‘s Dr. Thomas Ungerleider,, familiar with treating acid burn-outs and acid casualties. Ungerleider is seen discussing and talking with patients. Also featured are (“another scientist who believes that people can take LSD safely”), Dr. Stanley Krippner, and psychedelic artist, Isaac Abrams – also included is rare footage of Millbrook (center for Leary’s League for Spiritual Discovery)

“World In Action” in 1967 was regularly broadcast in a late slot on Friday nights but on this occasion a special edition was produced on the subject of LSD and screened in an earlier peak-time slot in midweek.It first aired on the 8th of February, 1967 

Allen’s contribution, an interview (seemingly filmed at or around the time of the legendary San Francisco Be-In, held the previous month, January 14) opens the film (he can also be glimpsed at the Be-In in the closing section)

His opinions on LSD shifted a little over the years – (see here, for example) – he would later suggest that consciousness-raising be better attained through meditation rather than drugs – but his respect for psychedelics and the responsible use of psychedelics as a catalyst remained steadfast.

AG (in 1967): There’s probably in the United States millions who love to come out to a park, like today (sic), and play with the children and sing together and have a peaceful time, promote this peace to others outside, who don’t seem so peaceful in the heart, that there is the possibility of something to think or believe in, something to save from the fire. It’s strange to be in a body – Can I sleep with you? – Shall we sing together? But, above all, I don’t want to feel bad, aagh!  I don’t want to fight them. I don’t want to fight myself all the time! – and ( addresses the camera) I mean, I wouldn’t want to fight the camera, to see the camera as an enemy, communications as an enemy.  What about the people looking at this? What do they think? Do they want to be enemy or do they want to be friendly? – or do they even think in these terms? –  or is it my paranoia! – Are there people in jail, generally? Are there wars on earth? – still! Vietnam!  (like everybody’s losing control of their temper)?  Does anybody else want to create a hell, perpetuate a hell?   We might as well get out of our minds, which means going…  and it does mean some LSD there.  It’s a full social catalyst, it’s a useful personal catalyst, it’s something that does approximate a natural religious experience. LSD has a way to divine senses..

See also – here