Hays Code

Definition

The Hays Code, officially known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of industry moral guidelines that governed the production of films in the United States from 1934 to 1966. It aimed to ensure that films adhered to a specific moral standard, restricting content that could be considered offensive or inappropriate, thus shaping the narrative and visual elements of early cinema during its enforcement.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hays Code was introduced in response to growing concerns about the moral impact of films on audiences during the early 20th century.
2. Films had to receive approval from the Production Code Administration before being released, with many movies requiring edits to conform to the code's standards.
3. The code included strict rules against showing nudity, sexual relationships, profanity, and excessive violence, aiming to promote traditional values.
4. Over time, the Hays Code became increasingly criticized for stifling artistic expression and failing to reflect societal changes, leading to its decline in influence.
5. The eventual relaxation of censorship in the late 1960s led to a more open approach in filmmaking, marking a significant shift away from the strict guidelines set by the Hays Code.

Review Questions

• How did the Hays Code influence the storytelling techniques used in early cinema?
  • The Hays Code significantly influenced storytelling in early cinema by enforcing strict guidelines that restricted themes and content. Filmmakers had to find creative ways to convey complex ideas or emotions without violating these moral standards. This often resulted in using metaphorical language, suggestive visuals, or subtextual narratives to hint at forbidden topics while adhering to the code's restrictions.
• Discuss the role of the Production Code Administration in the enforcement of the Hays Code and its impact on film production.
  • The Production Code Administration played a crucial role in enforcing the Hays Code by reviewing scripts and final cuts of films before their release. This oversight ensured that all films complied with the moral guidelines, leading to many movies being edited or altered significantly. The administration's influence on film production created a homogenized style and narrative approach that prioritized conformity over creative expression during its reign.
• Evaluate how societal changes in the 1960s contributed to the decline of the Hays Code and transformed American cinema.
  • Societal changes in the 1960s, including shifts in cultural attitudes toward sexuality, authority, and individualism, contributed significantly to the decline of the Hays Code. As audiences began to demand more authentic representations of life and diverse perspectives, filmmakers increasingly pushed back against censorship. This culminated in legal challenges and evolving social norms that rendered the code obsolete, paving the way for a new era in American cinema characterized by greater freedom of expression and innovative storytelling techniques.

Related terms

Production Code Administration: The organization established to enforce the Hays Code, responsible for reviewing scripts and final films to ensure compliance with its guidelines.

Censorship: The suppression or prohibition of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful, often directly linked to the Hays Code in regulating film content.

Pre-Code Era: The period before the enforcement of the Hays Code (1927-1934), characterized by a more liberal approach to film content, allowing for themes and portrayals that would later be restricted.