Summary of The Love-Ins (1967)
The Love-Ins is a striking exploration of the psychedelic wave that swept through the 1960s, presented as a vibrant and provocative exploitation drama. Directed by Joseph C. Lew and aiming to capture the chaotic essence of the counterculture, the film provides a compelling look at the intersection of morality and free-spirited rebellion.
The story centers around Dr. Jonathan Barnett, portrayed by Richard Todd, a college professor who undergoes a radical transformation into an acid guru. Inspired by the real-life figure Timothy Leary, Dr. Barnett begins to advocate for the use of LSD as a path to self-discovery and enlightenment. His teachings attract a diverse group of students, including James MacArthur‘s character, who grapples with the enticing yet perilous allure of the drug-fueled lifestyle.
Throughout its runtime, The Love-Ins features captivating trippy visuals that are emblematic of the era, alongside a potent anti-establishment commentary, echoing the fears and hopes of a generation questioning traditional societal norms. As the narrative unfolds, the film embodies both a cautionary tale and a vibrant pop-art time capsule, fleshing out the alluring yet often dangerous landscape of 1960s counterculture.
Cast:
- Richard Todd as Dr. Jonathan Barnett
- James MacArthur as the student
- Anne Helm
- Robert Reed
- John Fiedler
Director: Joseph C. Lew
Writer: Eliott Stein
With its mixture of moral panic and raw artistic expression, The Love-Ins remains a fascinating entry in the canon of psychedelic cinema, celebrating the highs and lows of an unforgettable era.
Watch the video by Stream City
Video “The Love-Ins | FREE MOVIE (Richard Todd, James MacArthur)” was uploaded on 06/23/2025 to Youtube Channel Stream City
You know it's a bad movie when a feature length motion picture uses the term "special guest star." How does someone guest star in movie?
Decent movie. Shows what happens when too much power in one person's hands. Humans have the tendency to follow like lemmings. Including muscicians etc.
So bad it's hilarious. Weird that it is the straight James ("book him, Danno") MacArthur character who ends up pushing his girlfriend down the stairs and killing her baby, before going on to make a martyr of the cult leader.
The casting of Richard Todd as the guru is beyond ludicrous. A lukewarm mess all round!
The usual misguided “hippie” exploitation movie made by old men from the paunch of mediocre TV producers and failed Hollywood directors. 😅
He'll take you up, he'll bring you down
He'll plant your feet back firmly on the ground
He flies so high, he swoops so low
He knows exactly which way he's gonna go
Timothy Leary, Timothy Leary