American films have not always been rife with violence, controversy, and adult content. In fact, they were at one point free from any element that threatened the assumed high moral standards of early twentieth century American society. There were no bloody gun fights, no dialogues concentrated with profanities, no sultry sex scenes. Action anti-heros, devious, yet powerful women, and rebellious, troubled kids were not popular characters.
Why? Were writers, directors, and film producers only interested in wholesome, good-natured entertainment? Not exactly. It was because of the routine censorship of the film industry from the 1930's through the 1960's, spurred on by the outcries of the American public and the drive towards lofty moral standards. Once the Film Production Code of 1930 was established, and then enforced, the content that reached the eyes of the public was a heavily censored version of what could have been.
The Background of Early American Film Censorship
During the 1920's film transformed from the silent picture to a more dynamic form of entertainment — movies with both moving images and sound. Intense dialogue, more complicated plots, and all the stimulating manifestations of sound were now possible. In terms of creative expression, the film industry was rapidly expanding.
Not only did individuals push artistic boundaries with this more advanced medium, but they pushed social boundaries. Influential film figures such as Mae West and Howard Hughes made a living out of controversial pictures and performances. At first, local cities and states implemented a sort of voluntary movie censorship, in which scenes were deleted before the movies were shown. Censors took issue with anything from naked ankles to the mere mention of sex. Regardless of local efforts to purify entertainment, what was considered vulgar and licentious was still seeping into films. This was viewed as offensive to conservative groups and individuals. In order maintain the love, and financing of the public, the major film producers themselves decided to take action and declare the direction of their collective moral compass.
The Fundamental Principles of the Hays Code
The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America and the Association of Motion Picture Producers adopted the Film Production Code in 1930. Former postmaster Will Hays was put in charge of this effort, which eventually became known as the Hays Code. The purpose of this movement was not to obliterate art and entertainment with heavily enforced film censorship, but to take responsibility for the power and influence of this medium, and to compromise with the needs and values of the public. It was devised as a code of honor to "govern the production of talking pictures."
Censored Content in Major American Films
What was the censored content of this era?
- Crimes against the law, films could not depict sympathy for or inspiration from criminal activity
- Sex was supposed to only exist within the sanctity of marriage, any base depictions were not permitted
- Vulgarity was sacrificed for the sensibilities of the audience
- Obscenities, in word, gesture, or even innuendo were forbidden
- Profanities were not allowed
- Costume had to be tasteful, with no nudity, or even nude silhouettes allowed
- Dances could have no suggestive moves
- Religion had to be respected
- Locations — no bedrooms!
- National feelings had to be respected
- Titles could not include the obscene or profane
- Repellent subjects in general, such as cruelty to animals, surgical procedures, and prostitution shouldn't be included
The Legacy of the Film Production Code of 1930
While the Film Production Code of 1930 may seem ridiculous today, it had its place in society. Perhaps the majority of the American public was not ready to step into the underworld of the human psyche. Many members of the public desired mass entertainment to be purified for the conservative values of the time. Unquestionably motion picture art was stifled, but also the negative influence of media violence and controversial behavior was delayed. There was a recognition and acceptance of the influence of the film industry over society — children and adults are inspired by, learn values from, and emulate characters in movies — and a sense of moral responsibility for this power.
Comparing the intensive moral censorship of the past to the freer entertainment of today, one could make an argument that censoring media is bad, or that some level of film censorship is a good thing, depending on the perspective. Is there a compromise between art and innocence, or are regular periods of repression and unbridled expression natural and inevitable? Maybe there is a necessary transformation from innocent and vulnerable to responsible and impervious that society must go through. Perhaps the road to becoming this developed, conscious society is long and twisted, with a little bit of the indecent, obscene, and profane along the way.
Sources
"Censorship in Hollywood." (Montgomery College)
Brenna Coleman - Brenna is a freelance writer focusing on natural health and beauty. She has written hundreds of articles, helping readers find ways to ...
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