Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs 1986
Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs (1986) is a compelling made-for-television drama that emerged during the height of America's war on drugs campaign.
Director: Nathaniel Burr Smidt
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs (1986) about?
This television drama examines the growing crisis of teenage drug use through the eyes of two concerned fathers who witness the epidemic firsthand. The film combines dramatic storytelling with public service messaging to highlight how substance abuse affects youth and families in suburban communities.
Who directed Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs?
The film was directed by Nathaniel Burr Smidt, who crafted this made-for-TV production as part of the 1980s anti-drug awareness movement.
Who stars in Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs?
The cast features Burt Reynolds, Judd Nelson, Karen Carlson, Megan Follows, and Earl Holliman in leading roles.
Is Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs (1986) worth watching?
As an unrated short film from the 1980s war on drugs era, it holds historical significance for viewers interested in social commentary cinema. The blend of drama and documentary elements, plus performances from Reynolds and Nelson, make it worthwhile for fans of period anti-drug media.
How long is Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs?
The runtime is 57 minutes, typical for a television movie production from that era.
Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs (1986) — Burt Reynolds Leads Anti-Drug Drama
Shattered: If Your Kid's on Drugs (1986) is a compelling made-for-television drama that emerged during the height of America's war on drugs campaign. Directed by Nathaniel Burr Smidt, this 57-minute film serves as both entertainment and public service announcement, tackling the serious issue of teenage substance abuse with stark realism. The narrative follows two men who recognize the growing epidemic among youth, portrayed by veteran actor Burt Reynolds and emerging star Judd Nelson, whose performances anchor this cautionary tale about peer pressure and addiction's devastating impact on families.
This hybrid drama-documentary blends fictional storytelling with educational messaging, creating an atmosphere of urgency that reflects the social anxieties of mid-1980s America. The film explores themes of parental responsibility, adolescent vulnerability, and community awareness, featuring supporting performances from Karen Carlson, Megan Follows, Earl Holliman, and Dermot Mulroney. With its unflinching portrayal of drug culture's reach into suburban neighborhoods, Shattered remains a significant artifact of anti-drug media from the Reagan era.
While not rated by IMDb, the film's short runtime and television origins make it accessible for educational purposes. Viewers interested in 1980s social commentary or the evolution of anti-drug messaging will find this production historically valuable, offering insight into how Hollywood addressed contemporary social crises during the decade.