The Maggot 1973
This sharp, six-decade-old animated short from director George Dunning dives into the grit of 1970s Harlem with a bold anti-drug message woven into every frame.
Director: George Dunning
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Maggot (1973) about?
Set against the neon glow of 1970s Harlem, this four-minute animated short follows a young man whose curiosity about drugs takes a dangerous turn. As he falls under the spell of an insidious presence called 'the maggot,' the story becomes a stark warning about the costs of addiction.
Who directed The Maggot?
George Dunning, the visionary animator behind beloved works like *Yellow Submarine*, directed *The Maggot*.
Who stars in The Maggot?
The short features Ebony Impromptu and Harry Poe as lead characters navigating the film's tense Harlem setting.
Is The Maggot (1973) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, its bold animation style and unflinching anti-drug message make it a standout piece of 1970s indie animation. It's a brief but impactful watch for fans of socially conscious cinema.
How long is The Maggot?
The Maggot runs for 4 minutes.
About The Maggot (1973) — A 4-Minute Anti-Drug Animation Classic Rooted in Harlem's 1970s Pulse
This sharp, six-decade-old animated short from director George Dunning dives into the grit of 1970s Harlem with a bold anti-drug message woven into every frame. Clocking in at just four minutes, *The Maggot (1973)* packs a surprising punch—its stark visuals and urgent storytelling deliver a punch-the-clock warning about the seductive pull of narcotics. The film unfolds in a tense urban rhythm, where neon-lit streets and shadowy alleys become the stage for a cautionary tale that feels as raw as the era itself.
Starring rising voices of the day Ebony Impromptu and Harry Poe, the animation cuts straight to the bone, pairing soulful character work with a no-holds-barred narrative that refuses to sugarcoat its anti-drug stance. With a director best known for his boundary-pushing work, *The Maggot* stands out as a fleeting but fiery artifact of 1970s independent animation—a brief, thought-provoking snapshot that lingers long after the credits roll.