Up in Smoke
Cheech and Chong meet up by chance on the highway somewhere in California. They go in search of some dope and are accidentally deported to Mexico where in their desperation to get home they agree to drive a van back to the States so they can get back in time for a gig they are due to play. Unaware of the properties from which the van is constructed they make their way back having aquired a couple of female hitch-hikers whilst all the time avoiding the cops whom they are not even aware are following them.
The film earned $41.6M at the global box office.
Plot Structure
Story beats plotted across runtime
Narrative Arc
Emotional journey through the story's key moments
Story Circle
Blueprint 15-beat structure
Arcplot Score Breakdown
Weighted: Precision (70%) + Arc (15%) + Theme (15%)
Up in Smoke (1978) demonstrates strategically placed narrative design, characteristic of Lou Adler's storytelling approach. This structural analysis examines how the film's 15-point plot structure maps to proven narrative frameworks across 1 hour and 26 minutes. With an Arcplot score of 7.1, the film balances conventional beats with creative variation.
Structural Analysis
The Status Quo at 1 minutes (1% through the runtime) establishes Pedro wakes up in his cluttered van surrounded by marijuana smoke, establishing his aimless stoner lifestyle in Los Angeles.. Of particular interest, this early placement immediately immerses viewers in the story world.
The inciting incident occurs at 10 minutes when Pedro picks up the hitchhiking Man after he flees his parents' house; their chance meeting sets the story in motion and offers both characters an escape route.. At 11% through the film, this Disruption aligns precisely with traditional story structure. This beat shifts the emotional landscape, launching the protagonist into the central conflict.
The First Threshold at 20 minutes marks the transition into Act II, occurring at 24% of the runtime. This illustrates the protagonist's commitment to Pedro and Man actively choose to cross the border into Mexico to find marijuana, entering a new world of adventure and unknowingly setting up their main conflict., moving from reaction to action.
At 42 minutes, the Midpoint arrives at 49% of the runtime—precisely centered, creating perfect narrative symmetry. Structural examination shows that this crucial beat False victory: Pedro and Man successfully cross back into the U.S. With the Fiberweed van undetected, seeming to have pulled off the impossible. However, Sergeant Stedenko and the police are now actively pursuing them., fundamentally raising what's at risk. The emotional intensity shifts, dividing the narrative into clear before-and-after phases.
The Collapse moment at 63 minutes (74% through) represents the emotional nadir. Here, Pedro and Man are arrested at the battle of the bands venue with the Fiberweed van discovered by police. Their freedom and dreams appear dead; they face certain imprisonment., illustrates the protagonist at their lowest point. This beat's placement in the final quarter sets up the climactic reversal.
The Second Threshold at 68 minutes initiates the final act resolution at 79% of the runtime. The Fiberweed van accidentally catches fire, burning all the evidence. The police inadvertently get high from the smoke, creating chaos that allows Pedro and Man to escape the system., demonstrating the transformation achieved throughout the journey.
Emotional Journey
Up in Smoke's emotional architecture traces a deliberate progression across 15 carefully calibrated beats.
Narrative Framework
This structural analysis employs structural analysis methodology used to understand storytelling architecture. By mapping Up in Smoke against these established plot points, we can identify how Lou Adler utilizes or subverts traditional narrative conventions. The plot point approach reveals not only adherence to structural principles but also creative choices that distinguish Up in Smoke within the comedy genre.
Comparative Analysis
Additional comedy films include The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, The Bad Guys and Lake Placid.
Plot Points by Act
Act I
SetupStatus Quo
Pedro wakes up in his cluttered van surrounded by marijuana smoke, establishing his aimless stoner lifestyle in Los Angeles.
Theme
Man Stork says "I used to be all messed up on drugs, now I'm all messed up on the Lord" - the film's satirical commentary on escapism and society's arbitrary moral boundaries.
Worldbuilding
Introduction of both protagonists: Pedro's van life and marijuana business, Anthony (Man) Stork's dysfunctional family life with his abusive parents, establishing the suffocating suburban world they want to escape.
Disruption
Pedro picks up the hitchhiking Man after he flees his parents' house; their chance meeting sets the story in motion and offers both characters an escape route.
Resistance
Pedro and Man bond over marijuana, cruise Los Angeles getting high, and form their partnership. They debate what to do next, ultimately deciding to go to Tijuana to score better weed.
Act II
ConfrontationFirst Threshold
Pedro and Man actively choose to cross the border into Mexico to find marijuana, entering a new world of adventure and unknowingly setting up their main conflict.
Mirror World
Introduction of the battle of the bands subplot and potential love interests, representing the legitimate creative outlet and connection that contrasts with their aimless drug use.
Premise
The "promise of the premise" - Pedro and Man's comic misadventures unknowingly driving a van made entirely of marijuana (Fiberweed) back across the border, constantly getting high while evading incompetent law enforcement.
Midpoint
False victory: Pedro and Man successfully cross back into the U.S. with the Fiberweed van undetected, seeming to have pulled off the impossible. However, Sergeant Stedenko and the police are now actively pursuing them.
Opposition
Pressure intensifies as Sergeant Stedenko closes in. Pedro and Man continue their oblivious adventures - getting arrested and released, preparing for the battle of the bands - while law enforcement narrows the search.
Collapse
Pedro and Man are arrested at the battle of the bands venue with the Fiberweed van discovered by police. Their freedom and dreams appear dead; they face certain imprisonment.
Crisis
The dark moment where Pedro and Man are detained, believing their journey is over. The incompetent police process them while examining the evidence.
Act III
ResolutionSecond Threshold
The Fiberweed van accidentally catches fire, burning all the evidence. The police inadvertently get high from the smoke, creating chaos that allows Pedro and Man to escape the system.
Synthesis
Pedro and Man perform at the battle of the bands, win the competition, and celebrate their freedom. The establishment (police and authority) is defeated by their own incompetence and the absurdity of the drug war.
Transformation
Final image: Pedro and Man drive off into the sunset as winners and free men, transformed from aimless stoners into accidental heroes who beat the system while remaining exactly who they are - a satirical triumph.