Robert Zagone began filming in San Francisco's Tenderloin in the 1960s as a response to the neglect of disenfranchised individuals. His documentary, 'Drugs in the Tenderloin,' sought to authentically present young people's struggles, contrasting the sensationalist media portrayal of the area. Zagone emphasized uplifting marginalized voices amidst significant cultural shifts, including the hippy movement and civil rights activism. The film features intimate interviews with local youth, set against the gritty backdrop of the Tenderloin. This approach aimed to humanize those often seen as societal outcasts, rather than exploit their circumstances.
Zagone’s goal was to uplift, not exploit, the often ignored voices and subcultures of the Tenderloin during an important time in San Francisco - the intersection of the 'hippy invasion,' anti-war activity, and the civil rights movement.
The film starts with a deep newscaster-like voice listing statistics: '124 prostitutes arrested. 119 heroin addicts uncovered. 18 teenagers arrested in an orgy. 366 male prostitutes...'. This sets a dramatic tone but deviates into personal narratives.
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