Synanon

Synopsis

Synanon is a 1965 drama film featuring Edmond O'Brien that explores the intense dynamics within a rehabilitation community designed to help drug addicts reclaim their lives. Set against the backdrop of Synanon, a real-life drug rehabilitation program, the story delves into the struggles of individuals striving to overcome addiction and rebuild relationships. While focusing on the psychological and social challenges faced by the community members, the film highlights themes of trust, personal transformation, and the human capacity for change. Through its raw and sometimes unsettling portrayal, Synanon offers a candid look at the realities of addiction treatment during the 1960s.

Cast

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  Edmond O'Brien

  Chuck Dederich

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  Chuck Connors

  Ben

• 

  Stella Stevens

  Joaney Adamic

• 

  Alex Cord

  Zankie Albo

• 

  Richard Conte

  Reid Kimble

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  Eartha Kitt

  Betty Coleman

Reviews

Synanon has received mixed reviews from critics and audiences alike. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 5.9/10 based on user reviews, reflecting an average reception. Many praised Edmond O'Brien’s performance and the film’s attempt to tackle the sensitive issue of drug addiction and rehabilitation at a time when such topics were rarely addressed in cinema. However, some critics found the narrative pacing uneven and the dramatization occasionally heavy-handed. For example, some reviewers on IMDb noted that while the film’s intentions are commendable, the execution sometimes feels outdated compared to modern standards. Unfortunately, Synanon does not have a Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic score, limiting comprehensive critical consensus. Nonetheless, it remains a noteworthy film for its historical and social commentary, offering a window into 1960s attitudes toward addiction and recovery.

See also

Wish

All My Life

Miraculous World: London, At the Edge of Time

Monsieur Aznavour