“Up in Smoke is kind of like the Trump presidency,” Chong joked from the podium. “Up in Smoke proved that anyone could make a movie. And Trump proved that anyone could become president.”
“A great portion of the movie was filmed right here in this building and in the parking lot next door,” said Marin. “It’s really a homegrown movie that we all can enjoy and it should be a cultural landmark for the city of West Hollywood.”
“We are here to recognize the 40th anniversary of Up in Smoke. We are also here to honor Cheech and Chong for their amazing careers and continued contribution to our community, and also to give a big shout out to Lou Adler and The Roxy where much of the film was shot.”
West Hollywood Mayor Pro-Tempore John Duran – Photo by Paulo Murillo“I have certain powers invested in me-and this one goes out to Attorney General Jeff Sessions,” said Duran during his speech. “Under the powers invested in me, under the great laws of California, I declare today to be Cheech and Chong Day in the City of West Hollywood.”
Adler also presented the comedians with a plaque that will be placed in front of the Roxy. He said this may be the beginning of The West Hollywood Walk of Fame. “The difference between the Walk of Fame in Hollywood and West Hollywood, is the recipients of West Hollywood actually walked on this street.”
Cheech and Chong and Lou Adler – Photo by Paulo MurilloThe event also celebrated the release of Up in Smoke on Blue-Ray, which came out on April 10. Versions include a combo pack with a new short-form documentary, “How Pedro Met the Man: Up in Smoke at 40.” There is also a Deluxe Collector’s Edition that pairs Blue-Ray with Original Soundtrack on CD and Vinyl LP, along with a newly recorded 2018 version of Up in Smoke.
The 40th anniversary will continue with an exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum called “Cheech and Chong: Still Rollin’,” scheduled to open on April 20 (4/20). The museum is curated in collaboration with Adler. Items on display will include the original marked-up script from Up in Smoke, the master take for the soundtrack album, comedy sketches, an assortment of limited-edition 40th anniversary smoking devices and selections from Marin’s “Blazing Chicano Guitars” guitar art collection. For more information, visit: grammymuseum.org
Happy Cheech and Chong Day
