37 Facts About Hays Code

What is the Hays Code?

The Hays Code was a set of industry guidelines for the self-censorship of content in Hollywood films. It was named after Will H. Hays, who was the president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) from 1922 to 1945. The code was in effect from 1934 to 1968 and had a significant impact on the content of American cinema.

1. The Hays Code was officially known as the Motion Picture Production Code.
2. It was established in 1930 but wasn't strictly enforced until 1934.
3. The code was created to avoid government censorship and to clean up Hollywood's image.
4. Will H. Hays, a former U.S. Postmaster General, was the driving force behind the code.
5. The code was enforced by the Production Code Administration (PCA), led by Joseph Breen.

Key Principles of the Hays Code

The Hays Code outlined specific principles that filmmakers had to follow. These principles were designed to ensure that movies were morally acceptable to the general public.

6. The code prohibited "excessive and lustful kissing."
7. It banned scenes of childbirth, even in silhouette.
8. The code forbade the use of profanity, including words like "God" and "hell."
9. It required that crime should never be portrayed in a way that would inspire imitation.
10. The code insisted that good should always triumph over evil in the end.

Impact on Filmmaking

The Hays Code had a profound impact on the way films were made and the stories that could be told. It shaped the golden age of Hollywood and influenced many classic films.

11. Filmmakers had to find creative ways to imply rather than show certain actions.
12. The code led to the rise of film noir, where innuendo and shadows conveyed forbidden themes.
13. Directors like Alfred Hitchcock became masters at working within the code's restrictions.
14. The code influenced the portrayal of women, often limiting them to traditional roles.
15. It also affected the depiction of minority groups, often reinforcing stereotypes.

Controversial Aspects of the Hays Code

While the Hays Code aimed to uphold moral standards, it also faced criticism for its restrictive and sometimes arbitrary rules.

16. The code's ban on interracial relationships was particularly controversial.
17. It prohibited any positive portrayal of homosexuality, labeling it as "sexual perversion."
18. The code's restrictions on violence were often seen as inconsistent.
19. Some filmmakers argued that the code stifled artistic expression.
20. The code's vague language led to varied interpretations and enforcement.

The Decline of the Hays Code

By the 1950s and 1960s, the Hays Code began to lose its grip on Hollywood. Changing social attitudes and the rise of television contributed to its decline.

21. The Supreme Court's 1952 decision in Joseph Burstyn, Inc. v. Wilson weakened the code's authority.
22. The rise of independent films challenged the code's dominance.
23. Directors like Otto Preminger openly defied the code with films like "The Moon is Blue."
24. The success of foreign films with more liberal content influenced American filmmakers.
25. The code was officially replaced by the MPAA film rating system in 1968.

Legacy of the Hays Code

Even after its demise, the Hays Code left a lasting legacy on American cinema. Its influence can still be seen in the way films are rated and censored today.

26. The MPAA rating system that replaced the code still reflects some of its principles.
27. The code's emphasis on moral content influenced television standards.
28. Many classic films from the Hays Code era are still celebrated for their creativity.
29. The code's restrictions led to the development of new cinematic techniques.
30. The legacy of the Hays Code is a reminder of the ongoing tension between art and censorship.

Interesting Facts About the Hays Code

There are many fascinating tidbits about the Hays Code that highlight its unique place in film history.

31. The code was inspired by a series of scandals in Hollywood during the 1920s.
32. Some films were re-edited or reshot to comply with the code after its enforcement began.
33. The code led to the creation of the "double entendre" to imply forbidden content.
34. Filmmakers often used symbolism to bypass the code's restrictions.
35. The code's influence extended to advertising and promotional materials for films.
36. Some directors found ways to subtly criticize the code within their films.
37. The Hays Code remains a topic of study and debate among film historians and scholars.

The Legacy of the Hays Code

The Hays Code left a lasting impact on Hollywood. It shaped the way movies were made and what audiences saw on screen for over three decades. By enforcing strict guidelines, it aimed to maintain moral standards in films. While some argue it stifled creativity, others believe it preserved a certain level of decency in cinema.

When the code was replaced by the MPAA rating system in 1968, filmmakers gained more freedom. This shift allowed for more diverse storytelling and complex characters. However, the influence of the Hays Code can still be seen in the way movies handle sensitive topics.

Understanding the history of the Hays Code helps us appreciate the evolution of film. It reminds us of the balance between creative expression and societal values. The legacy of the Hays Code continues to be a fascinating chapter in the story of Hollywood.