Hays Code

Definition

The Hays Code, formally known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of industry guidelines for the content of films produced in the United States from 1934 to 1966. It aimed to ensure that movies were morally acceptable and reflected the values of society at that time. The code had a significant impact on the film industry, resulting in notable censorship cases that shaped the way films were made and viewed in America.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hays Code was implemented in response to public outcry over the perceived immorality of Hollywood films during the early 1930s.
2. Films had to pass through the Production Code Administration for approval; if they didn't comply with the guidelines, they could not be released commercially.
3. The code restricted portrayals of sex, violence, and controversial topics such as drug use and infidelity, greatly influencing narrative storytelling.
4. Notable censorship cases included films like 'The Miracle' (1950) and 'The Moon is Blue' (1953), which faced scrutiny and controversy due to their content.
5. The eventual decline of the Hays Code came with changing societal values and the rise of independent filmmaking, leading to a more flexible rating system introduced by the MPAA.

Review Questions

• How did the Hays Code influence the themes and storytelling techniques used in American cinema during its enforcement?
  • The Hays Code imposed strict guidelines on filmmakers, which limited their ability to explore certain themes and subjects. As a result, many filmmakers had to find creative ways to suggest or imply controversial topics without explicitly showing them. This led to innovations in storytelling techniques, such as using subtext and metaphor to convey deeper meanings while adhering to code restrictions.
• Evaluate the impact of notable censorship cases under the Hays Code on public perception and reception of films during its era.
  • Notable censorship cases under the Hays Code significantly influenced public perception by highlighting societal boundaries regarding morality and decency. Films like 'The Miracle' faced backlash and were banned in certain regions, leading to heated debates about artistic freedom versus moral responsibility. These cases often reflected broader cultural tensions of the time, shaping how audiences viewed not only films but also social issues depicted within them.
• Synthesize how the decline of the Hays Code contributed to changes in American film content and audience expectations in subsequent decades.
  • The decline of the Hays Code paved the way for a new era in American cinema marked by greater artistic freedom and diverse content. As filmmakers were no longer bound by strict censorship guidelines, they began to explore complex themes such as sexuality, violence, and social issues more openly. This shift transformed audience expectations, as viewers increasingly sought authenticity and realism in storytelling, ultimately leading to a more dynamic film landscape that reflected contemporary society.

Related terms

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful by authorities.

Production Code Administration (PCA): The organization responsible for enforcing the Hays Code, ensuring that films adhered to its guidelines before receiving approval for distribution.

MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America): An organization that replaced the Hays Code with a rating system in 1966, providing guidance on film content to audiences.