The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness
1972, English. Directed by William Templeton.
The life of man is poor and nasty. A few plants give temporary relief: marijuana, alcohol, and opium. After a history of opium, including the 19th-century Opium Wars, we learn of the discovery of heroin; the rest of the film examines heroin trade and addiction in the U.S. Two tons a year enter the U.S., with only 100 pounds interdicted. Most is used in New York City. Interviews with customs officials, prosecutors, medical doctors and junkies provide points of view. The harsh 1956 law and the medically-oriented law of 1966 are contrasted, with the film on the side of treatment and rehabilitation. It ends with advocating reducing use here and finding other cash crops for farmers abroad.
- Runtime
- 0h 22m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
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Where to watch The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online.
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Availability in India as of 13 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
Details
- Released
- 1 January 1972
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Don Peterson
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News & fan talk
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The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness: quick answers
Is The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness worth watching?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness doesn’t have enough ratings for a verdict yet.
How long is The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness runs 22 minutes (0h 22m).
Does The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness on?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness isn’t on a subscription OTT platform in India, but you can rent it or buy it online. (Checked 13 November 2026.)
What movies are like The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness?
If you liked The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness, try The House I Live In, 180° South, Capital in the Twenty-First Century.
Who directed The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness?
The Distant Drummer: Flowers of Darkness (1972) was directed by William Templeton and stars Paul Newman.