The Hays Code, also known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of guidelines that governed the content of American films for over 30 years. It was implemented in 1934 and was enforced until 1968 when it was replaced by the MPAA rating system. Before the Hays Code, however, Hollywood was a wild and free place where filmmakers could get away with almost anything. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most significant pre Hays Code films and see what made them so controversial.
What Were the Pre Hays Code Films?
Pre Hays Code films were American movies made before the Motion Picture Production Code was enforced in 1934. During this time, Hollywood was known for its daring and often controversial content. Films were free to explore themes like sex, violence, and morality in a way that would be unthinkable under the Hays Code. Some of the most famous pre Hays Code films include:
The Public Enemy (1931)
The Public Enemy was a crime drama that starred James Cagney as a bootlegger in Prohibition-era Chicago. The film was notorious for its realistic violence and depiction of gang life. It was also one of the first films to feature a scene where a character is killed by having a grapefruit shoved in their face.
Scarface (1932)
Scarface was another crime drama set in Prohibition-era Chicago. The film starred Paul Muni as Tony Camonte, a ruthless gangster who rises to power in the city's criminal underworld. Scarface was known for its graphic violence and depiction of drug use.
Frankenstein (1931)
Frankenstein was a horror film based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley. The film starred Boris Karloff as the monster and was one of the first horror films to achieve mainstream success. Frankenstein was controversial for its violent and disturbing content.
King Kong (1933)
King Kong was an adventure film that told the story of a giant ape who falls in love with a human woman. The film was groundbreaking for its special effects, which were some of the most advanced of their time. King Kong was also controversial for its depiction of interracial relationships and its portrayal of native people as savage and primitive.
Why Were Pre Hays Code Films So Controversial?
Pre Hays Code films were controversial because they often explored themes that were considered taboo at the time. These themes included sex, violence, drug use, and other topics that were considered immoral or indecent. The films of this era were also notable for their realistic and often graphic depictions of violence and sex.
Despite their controversial content, pre Hays Code films were popular with audiences. They offered a glimpse into a world that was forbidden and taboo, and they allowed viewers to explore their own desires and fears in a safe and controlled environment.
The End of an Era
The pre Hays Code era came to an end in 1934 when the Motion Picture Production Code was enforced. The Code was designed to clean up Hollywood's image and prevent the production of films that were considered immoral, indecent, or offensive. Under the Code, films had to meet strict guidelines and were subject to censorship by the Production Code Administration.
Although the Hays Code had a significant impact on Hollywood, it did not completely eliminate controversial content from films. Filmmakers found ways to work around the Code, and some of the most iconic films of the 1940s and 1950s were made during this time.
Conclusion
Pre Hays Code films offer a fascinating glimpse into the Golden Age of Hollywood. These films were daring, controversial, and often groundbreaking in their depictions of sex, violence, and other taboo topics. Although the Hays Code eventually put an end to this era, the legacy of pre Hays Code films lives on in the movies that followed.