Hindi Tamil Telugu
    More
    In the news
    Narendra Modi
    Amit Shah
    Box Office Collection
    Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
    OTT releases
    Hindi Tamil Telugu
    User Placeholder

    Hi,

    Logout

    India
    Business
    World
    Politics
    Sports
    Technology
    Entertainment
    Auto
    Lifestyle
    Inspirational
    Career
    Bengaluru
    Delhi
    Mumbai

    Download Android App

    Follow us on
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Linkedin
    Home / News / Entertainment News / Explainer: Understand Pre-code Hollywood—When censorship was lenient in America
    Next Article
    Explainer: Understand Pre-code Hollywood—When censorship was lenient in America
    Understand what Pre-code Hollywood was all about

    Explainer: Understand Pre-code Hollywood—When censorship was lenient in America

    By Isha Sharma
    Dec 11, 2023
    08:00 pm

    What's the story

    What would happen to the film industry if there was no censorship in place and artists were allowed to run amok?

    While it's difficult to visualize such a time in the present day and age, there existed a time in Hollywood decades back when censorship was rather lenient and filmmakers had more creative liberty to infuse life into their ideas on the big screen.

    Meaning

    What does it actually mean?

    Columbia University Press says, "Pre-Code Hollywood explores the fascinating period in American motion picture history from 1930 to 1934 when the commandments of the Production Code Administration were violated with impunity in a series of wildly unconventional [or explicitly sexual] films."

    The said code is the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC)/Hays Code, which Hollywood films had to strictly comply with from 1934-1968.

    You're
    16%
    through

    Characteristics

    Main characteristics of pre-code movies

    Since Hollywood films were leaving behind the silent film era and widely adopting sound movies, filmmakers ensured they made the utmost use of it.

    Some of the most common characteristics of such films included explorations of illicit/sexual relationships, representation of illegal drug use, promiscuity, prostitution, and infidelity, and use of abortion or divorce (considered taboos then) as the focal points of the films.

    You're
    33%
    through

    Sex in films

    Sex was a recurring theme across projects 

    Reportedly, this was the time when female representation grew exponentially in movies and they became the cynosure of several films, especially the ones that dealt with sexual themes.

    Even posters and other promotional assets showed women in dresses that weren't exactly considered "civil."

    Merrily We Go to Hell, Rio Rita, Glorifying the American Girl, Her Private Life, and The Wild Party are some examples.

    You're
    50%
    through

    Controversial films

    Controversial films of this era

    Unsurprisingly, several films sparked controversy and outrage because they featured content Hollywood wasn't used to earlier.

    An example is Red-Headed Woman, which glorifies its protagonist, someone who used her sexuality as a weapon and even attempted murder.

    Morocco, on the other hand, featured a kiss between two women, and for a 1930 release, a mere hint of homosexuality was enough to anger people.

    You're
    66%
    through

    Musicals

    A number of musicals were also produced during this time

    Since sound films had been introduced to Hollywood by this time, this helped filmmakers include musicals in a broader sense than was possible earlier.

    However, skimpily clad-women remained a constant in this genre, too.

    Some examples of pre-code musicals include The Jazz Singer, Showgirl in Hollywood, Going Hollywood, Footlight Parade, The Big Pond, Good News, and Gold Diggers of 1933.

    You're
    83%
    through

    Hays Code

    What changed after the Hays Code?

    When the Hays Code came long, it restricted a number of things, such as "Any licentious or suggestive nudity - in fact or in silhouette; and any lecherous or licentious notice thereof by other characters in the picture," and "Ridicule of the clergy."

    Another directive said, "Special care must be exercised when dealing with: Sympathy for criminals; The use of drugs; and marriage."

    Done!
    Facebook
    Whatsapp
    Twitter
    Linkedin
    Related News
    Latest
    Hollywood

    Latest

    'Housefull 5' trailer set for grand launch next week  Abhishek Bachchan
    Know Salman Khan, was invited, says woman arrested for trespassing Salman Khan
    IPL 2025, RCB vs SRH: Key player match-ups Indian Premier League (IPL)
    Ben Duckett floors Zimbabwe with his 5th Test century: Stats Ben Duckett

    Hollywood

    Look at Sofia Vergara's fortune amid 'Griselda' trailer release Netflix
    Hollywood movies where one actor plays multiple roles  Robin Williams
    Best Hollywood movies to get over a breakup  Entertainment
    Best Christmas movies to watch on Hulu Hulu
    Indian Premier League (IPL) Celebrity Hollywood Bollywood UEFA Champions League Tennis Football Smartphones Cryptocurrency Upcoming Movies Premier League Cricket News Latest automobiles Latest Cars Upcoming Cars Latest Bikes Upcoming Tablets
    About Us Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions Contact Us Ethical Conduct Grievance Redressal News News Archive Topics Archive Download DevBytes Find Cricket Statistics
    Follow us on
    Facebook Twitter Linkedin
    All rights reserved © NewsBytes 2025