Unveiling the Motion Picture Production Code- A Deep Dive into Hollywood’s Historical Censorship Era
What was the Motion Picture Production Code?
The Motion Picture Production Code, also known as the Hays Code, was a set of guidelines established in 1930 by the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) to regulate the content of films produced in the United States. The code was named after its primary enforcer, Will Hays, who was the president of the MPPDA at the time. The purpose of the code was to ensure that movies were morally appropriate for the general audience, particularly children and teenagers. This article will explore the origins, impact, and eventual replacement of the Motion Picture Production Code.
The origins of the Motion Picture Production Code can be traced back to the early 20th century when Hollywood faced growing criticism over the content of its films. The public was concerned about the portrayal of violence, sex, and other controversial themes in movies. In response, the MPPDA was formed in 1922 to address these concerns and establish a set of standards for the film industry.
The Hays Code was introduced in 1930 and quickly became the de facto standard for film content in the United States. The code was a series of 10 “Don’ts and Be Carefuls,” which were a list of topics and situations that filmmakers were advised to avoid or handle with caution. Some of the key points included:
– Don’ts:
– Don’t depict or suggest sex outside of marriage.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of intoxicating liquors.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of drugs.
– Don’t depict or suggest brutal or gory violence.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of firearms.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of weapons.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of crime.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of gambling.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of profanity.
– Don’t depict or suggest the use of religious or racial prejudice.
– Be Carefuls:
– Be careful about the depiction of suicide.
– Be careful about the depiction of divorce.
– Be careful about the depiction of mental illness.
– Be careful about the depiction of law enforcement.
– Be careful about the depiction of politics.
The Hays Code had a significant impact on the film industry, as filmmakers had to alter their scripts and production processes to comply with the guidelines. This led to a period of censorship in Hollywood, where movies were heavily sanitized and often lost their artistic integrity. However, the code also helped to promote a sense of unity and morality within the film industry, which was beneficial for its reputation and box office success.
Despite its successes, the Hays Code faced criticism for its overly restrictive nature and its potential to stifle creativity. In the 1960s, as the cultural landscape began to change, the code’s effectiveness as a censorship tool began to wane. The rise of the New Hollywood movement and the increasing influence of independent filmmakers led to a push for more freedom in film content.
In 1968, the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) replaced the Hays Code with the Ratings System, which allowed for more flexibility in film content. The Ratings System was designed to provide parents with guidance on the suitability of movies for their children, rather than enforcing a strict set of rules for filmmakers.
In conclusion, the Motion Picture Production Code, or Hays Code, was a significant influence on the film industry for nearly four decades. While it had its flaws and limitations, the code played a crucial role in shaping the moral landscape of American cinema. Its eventual replacement with the Ratings System marked a shift towards a more open and diverse film industry, but the legacy of the Hays Code continues to be felt in today’s movies.
