Target: The Corruptors (TV Series) The Poppy Vendor (1961) User Reviews

Am excellent, gritty episode.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 4 February 2023]

Marion and Johnny have just had their first child, but the pair are tangled up in drugs, she's an addict, he's a dealer, they try hard to escape, but pressure comes from a businessman turned drugs mogul.

I think I've always had a bit of a naivety when it comes to drugs, thinking that the main problem, the supplies and dealers came much letter, it's easy to forget the problem has been there much, much longer, not really a subject you see much or in drama from the 50's and 60's, I will applaud this show for tackling it.

This was very, very gritty, well paced, and a story of a problem that's just gotten worse with time.

The story of the baby was actually very sad, it's a story with a huge relevance sixty plus years later.

I really did enjoy Marino's presence, he fitted well into this story, his character came through very strongly.

Two excellent performances in particular, Robert Loggia and Gena Rowlands.

High quality, 8/10.

The Poppy Vendor

[Prismark10 · 7/10 · 12 June 2022]

Paul Marino tackles organised crime and the drugs trade. By the end of the episode, it is clear that this is a war which is unwinnable.

Marian Praisewater (Gena Rowlands) is a pregnant junkie who has given birth to a baby who is an addict. She wants to give up drugs but cannot.

With no money, she has to sell her body to get her next fix from her dealer.

Marian's husband Johnny (Robert Loggia) is trying to go straight but is drawn into his former gangster boss as he goes undercover to help the police.

The gangster Mr Welcome is a killer who has now achieved respectability with some respectable business activities. He is still dealing in drugs, his most profitable sideline.

Crooked cops, hardened drug pushers and addicts who are ten a penny.

There are three Oscar nominees, strongly acted. A pessimistic take, this story is cynical and ahead of its time.

Narcotics racket

[searchanddestroy-1 · 22 June 2015]

The story begins with a young woman giving birth in a hospital. Then the nurses and doctors realize that this young woman was under narcotics. Unusual situation. Robert Loggia plays the husband, and ex con who is soon suspected of unlawfull activities. Don Gordon is also here as a convincing henchman of the big boss, threatening the poor Loggia. The gang leader, an actor I don't know at all, has not the face of a criminal, that's the reason why he is so impressive in this character. Speaking of acting, everything here is flawless for a crime tale episode. The late fifties and early sixties were really the best period for such stories.