Lillian Miles
Actor
About Lillian Miles
Lillian Miles was an American actress who achieved a unique place in cinema history through her brief but memorable appearance in the infamous 1936 exploitation film 'Reefer Madness.' Her career was notably short, spanning primarily the year 1936, during which she played the pivotal role of Mae, the girlfriend of drug dealer Jack. Miles portrayed one of the central characters who falls victim to marijuana addiction, delivering performances that contributed to the film's enduring cult status. Despite her compelling screen presence, she did not pursue a long-term career in Hollywood, making her one of cinema's more mysterious figures from the Golden Age. Her work in 'Reefer Madness' represents her most significant contribution to film, as she embodied the moral warnings that the film sought to convey about drug use. The movie itself, originally titled 'Tell Your Children,' was produced as an exploitation piece but later gained recognition as a cult classic, largely preserving Miles' legacy for future generations.
The Craft
On Screen
Lillian Miles exhibited a dramatic, earnest acting style typical of the 1930s exploitation film genre. Her performances were characterized by exaggerated emotional reactions and moralistic undertones, designed to convey the supposed dangers of drug use to contemporary audiences. Her portrayal of Mae's descent into marijuana addiction featured the heightened melodramatic approach common in exploitation cinema of the era.
Milestones
- Starred as Mae in the cult classic 'Reefer Madness' (1936)
- Appeared in the original exploitation film 'Tell Your Children' before it was retitled
- Contributed to one of the most infamous propaganda films in cinema history
Best Known For
Iconic Roles
Must-See Films
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Lillian Miles' cultural impact is primarily derived from her role in 'Reefer Madness,' which evolved from a forgotten exploitation film to a celebrated cult classic. Her performance as Mae became part of cinematic history as the film gained new appreciation in the 1970s among midnight movie audiences. The character she portrayed contributed to the film's enduring legacy as a piece of unintentional comedy and a time capsule of 1930s American attitudes toward drugs and morality. Miles' work has been preserved through countless screenings, parody references, and the film's inclusion in discussions of propaganda cinema.
Lasting Legacy
Lillian Miles' legacy is intrinsically tied to 'Reefer Madness,' ensuring her place in film history despite her brief career. Her portrayal of Mae continues to be discovered by new generations of film enthusiasts who explore the cult classic genre. While she may not have achieved the lasting fame of her contemporaries, her contribution to one of cinema's most talked-about exploitation films has secured her a permanent footnote in Hollywood history. The film's transformation from serious warning to cult comedy has made her performance a subject of study in film schools and discussions of propaganda cinema.
Who They Inspired
As an actress with such a brief career, Lillian Miles' direct influence on other performers is difficult to trace. However, her work in 'Reefer Madness' has influenced how exploitation films are viewed and appreciated by later generations of filmmakers and scholars. Her performance serves as an example of the acting style prevalent in 1930s exploitation cinema, providing reference material for those studying the evolution of film performance techniques and propaganda filmmaking.
Off Screen
Very little is documented about Lillian Miles' personal life outside of her brief film career. She appears to have been a typical Hollywood contract player of the 1930s who did not achieve major stardom and subsequently returned to private life after her short stint in films. The scarcity of biographical information suggests she may have married and changed her name, or simply chosen to live outside the public eye following her brief entertainment career.
Did You Know?
- 'Reefer Madness' was originally titled 'Tell Your Children' when first released
- The film was produced on a minimal budget of approximately $100,000
- Miles' character Mae was one of the few characters to show any complexity in the film's moralistic narrative
- The film was rediscovered and became a cult classic in the 1970s after being featured in midnight movie screenings
- Despite the film's notoriety, Miles never appeared in another major motion picture
- The film was originally financed by a church group as an anti-drug message
- Miles' performance has been analyzed in film studies courses as an example of 1930s exploitation cinema acting
- The film was later colorized and re-released with comedic commentary in the 1990s
In Their Own Words
(As Mae in 'Reefer Madness') 'I'm getting tired of being your girl!'
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Lillian Miles?
Lillian Miles was an American actress best known for her role as Mae in the 1936 exploitation film 'Reefer Madness.' She had a very brief film career, appearing primarily in this single notable production before disappearing from the entertainment industry.
What films is Lillian Miles best known for?
Lillian Miles is exclusively known for her performance in 'Reefer Madness' (1936), originally titled 'Tell Your Children.' This exploitation film about the supposed dangers of marijuana became a cult classic decades after its release.
When was Lillian Miles born and when did she die?
Lillian Miles was born around 1911 in the United States. Her date of death is unknown, as she disappeared from public records after her brief film career, making her one of Hollywood's more mysterious figures from the 1930s.
What awards did Lillian Miles win?
Lillian Miles did not receive any major awards or nominations during her brief career. Her recognition came decades later through the cult status of 'Reefer Madness,' though she was not alive to witness its transformation into a celebrated cult classic.
What was Lillian Miles' acting style?
Lillian Miles employed a dramatic, earnest acting style typical of 1930s exploitation films. Her performances featured exaggerated emotional reactions and moralistic undertones, designed to convey the supposed dangers of drug use to contemporary audiences in the melodramatic fashion common to the genre.
Learn More
Films
1 film
