The Birth of the Motion Pictures Production Code

Name: The Birth of the Motion Pictures Production Code
Start: 1930-03-31
Location: Unspecified

Introduction to the Motion Pictures Production Code

The Motion Pictures Production Code, often referred to as the Hays Code, was established in 1930 as a response to increasing concerns about the content of films in Hollywood. This code set forth a series of strict guidelines that would dictate how film producers could portray a variety of subjects, including sex, crime, religion, and violence. With its implementation, the Hays Code aimed to uphold moral standards and prevent the film industry from producing content deemed inappropriate for audiences.

The Origins of the Hays Code

The code was named after Will H. Hays, the president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, who was instrumental in its creation. The Hays office was established to regulate content in films amidst public outcry concerning risqué storylines and depictions of immoral behavior. The Hays Code outlined specific rules that films had to adhere to, which included restrictions on nudity, suggestive language, and scenarios showcasing criminality without punishment.

The Impact of the Hays Code on Filmmaking

Once the Motion Picture Production Code was instituted, filmmakers had to navigate these guidelines carefully to avoid censorship. This led to a significant alteration in how stories were told on screen, often resulting in less explicit content and a reinvention of character arcs to ensure moral lessons were portrayed. The code's influence lasted for 38 years, shaping the landscape of American cinema during its reign.

The End of an Era: Changes in the Film Industry

As societal norms evolved throughout the 1960s, increasing counterculture movements challenged the limitations imposed by the Hays Code. This eventual shift paved the way for the dissolution of the code and the birth of a more permissive rating system that aimed to better represent diverse narratives without stringent constraints.

Hays Code's Declining Influence

During the late 1960s, filmmakers began to ignore the Hays Code as major films tackled challenging subjects with newfound freedom. This culminated in a transition to a rating system, resulting in the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) ratings we know today. The Hays Code came to be seen as an outdated set of rules that no longer aligned with the public's expectations and cultural shifts.

The Legacy of the Hays Code

Though the Hays Code was officially abandoned in 1966, its legacy persists in contemporary film productions. It highlighted the tension between art and censorship, leading to ongoing discussions about the responsibility of filmmakers in addressing sensitive subjects. Understanding the history of the Motion Pictures Production Code helps audiences appreciate the evolution of storytelling in cinema.

Fun Fact

Surprising Fact about the Hays Code

Interestingly, while the Hays Code aimed to create a sanitized version of storytelling, filmmakers often found clever ways to circumvent its restrictions. For instance, clever dialogue and subtext allowed for themes of sexuality and violence to be implied rather than shown on screen, leading to creative storytelling that still resonated with audiences.