Hays Code

Definition

The Hays Code, officially known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of industry guidelines established in the 1930s that dictated the content of films produced in Hollywood. The code aimed to ensure that movies adhered to moral standards and avoided controversial subjects, influencing the themes, character portrayals, and narratives within American cinema for over three decades. It represented an attempt by the film industry to self-regulate and prevent government intervention.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Hays Code was introduced in 1930 but was not strictly enforced until 1934, leading to a significant impact on film content and storytelling.
2. Films were required to receive a seal of approval from the PCA before release, which meant many projects were altered or abandoned to meet code standards.
3. The code included specific restrictions on depictions of violence, sexual content, drug use, and any portrayal of crime that did not conclude with punishment.
4. As social norms evolved during the 1960s, filmmakers began to push against the limitations imposed by the Hays Code, eventually leading to its decline.
5. The Hays Code was officially replaced by the MPAA film rating system in 1968, allowing more creative freedom while still providing guidelines for audience suitability.

Review Questions

• How did the Hays Code influence the portrayal of characters and themes in films during its enforcement?
  • The Hays Code greatly influenced how filmmakers approached character development and storytelling. Films often avoided controversial subjects such as sex, crime, and moral ambiguity to align with the moral standards set by the code. This led to sanitized representations of life and limited character depth, as filmmakers had to navigate strict guidelines regarding acceptable portrayals and outcomes for characters involved in unethical behaviors.
• Evaluate the role of the Production Code Administration in shaping American cinema during the era of the Hays Code.
  • The Production Code Administration played a pivotal role in shaping American cinema by enforcing the Hays Code’s strict guidelines. By reviewing scripts and final cuts before release, PCA not only ensured compliance but also heavily influenced creative decisions. This oversight often resulted in filmmakers compromising their original visions or altering their narratives significantly to secure approval, thereby shaping the entire film industry's approach to storytelling during that period.
• Discuss the impact of social changes in the 1960s on the eventual dissolution of the Hays Code and its replacement by a new rating system.
  • The 1960s brought significant social upheaval and cultural changes, including movements advocating for civil rights, sexual liberation, and artistic expression. As societal norms shifted towards greater openness about previously taboo subjects, filmmakers increasingly challenged the restrictive nature of the Hays Code. The growing resistance culminated in a gradual dismantling of these regulations, leading to the establishment of the MPAA film rating system in 1968. This new system allowed for more nuanced expressions in filmmaking while providing audiences with information about content suitability, marking a significant transition in American cinema.

Related terms

Production Code Administration (PCA): The PCA was the organization responsible for enforcing the Hays Code, reviewing scripts and final films to ensure compliance with its guidelines.

Censorship: The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information deemed objectionable or harmful by a governing body or other controlling group.

Film Noir: A cinematic style that emerged in the 1940s characterized by its dark themes, moral ambiguity, and complex characters, often pushing the boundaries of the Hays Code.