What Was the First Cheech and Chong Movie
The first Cheech and Chong movie is Up in Smoke, a 1978 American stoner comedy film starring Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong. The film was written by Cheech Marin, Tommy Chong, and Lou Adler, with direction by Lou Adler. It follows the misadventures of two marijuana users, Anthony "Man" Stoner and Pedro de Pacas, as they travel across Los Angeles to find a new supply of weed. The movie became a cultural touchstone for counterculture comedy and helped define the stoner film genre in the late 1970s.
Up in Smoke was produced by Ode Records and distributed by Paramount Pictures. Principal photography took place in Los Angeles, with scenes filmed at locations including Tijuana, Mexico, and various spots across Southern California. The film's production budget was reported at approximately $2 million, and it went on to gross over $44 million in the United States, making it a commercial success relative to its cost. The movie's soundtrack featured contributions from several artists and helped popularize the duo's comedic style.
Cast, Characters, and Key Figures
The main cast of Up in Smoke includes Cheech Marin as Anthony "Man" Stoner and Tommy Chong as Pedro de Pacas. Supporting roles feature Stacy Keach as the persistent Sergeant Stedenko, who spends much of the film chasing the two protagonists, and Edie Adams as Man's mother. The film also includes appearances by several musicians and comedians, reinforcing the era's crossover between music and film culture.
Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong first collaborated as a comedy duo in the early 1970s, performing live and recording comedy albums before transitioning to film. Their partnership was central to the writing and performance style of Up in Smoke, with much of the dialogue and plot driven by their improvisational rapport. The film's success led to a sequel, Cheech and Chong's Next Movie, in 1980, and established the pair as icons of counterculture comedy.
Legacy, Reception, and Cultural Impact
Up in Smoke received mixed reviews from critics upon release but developed a strong cult following over the decades. The film is frequently cited in discussions of stoner comedies and is credited with influencing a wave of similar films in the 1980s and 1990s. Its portrayal of marijuana culture and its irreverent humor resonated with audiences, and it remains a reference point in pop culture for the era's relaxed attitudes toward drug use and comedy.
The movie's influence extends to modern comedy, with many contemporary stoner films and TV shows drawing on its tone and structure. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong reunited for tours and new projects in the 2000s and 2010s, including the comedy series Cheech & Chong and various stand-up specials. The original Up in Smoke continues to be available on major streaming platforms and is often referenced in lists of essential comedy films from the 1970s. For more background on the film's production and legacy, you can visit Forbes or explore archival coverage on BFI.