Hollywood Production Code

The film industry had many changes take place in Hollywood during the 30’s such as the transitions to sound, color, and a new code of conduct emerged. The Hollywood Production Code is also known as Hays Code. It is a series of guidelines created by motion pictures in order to restrict explicitly in filmmaking. Producers believed they were responsible for spirality and morality of people all over the world when they made films. When the industry transitioned from silent films to talking pictures it became necessary to implement a code of conduct. Crimes against law, sex, vulgarity, obscenity, profanity, costumes, dances, religion, locations, and national feelings were address using the Hollywood Production Code. The code attempted to discourage sinful behavior and create idealistic views of the world. (www.artsreformation.com/a001/hays-code.html) Producers wanted to restore youth by creating films that radiated positivity and morals. The code required filmmakers to be as politically correct as possible. Another reason the code came about was to cover up Hollywood scandals. During the late teens and early twenties film industry had adopted a bad reputation. For example a comedian named Fatty Arbuckle was accused of raping and murdering a young actress. Actor Wallace Reid died of drug overdose. This is only a few of the negative stories that surfaced in the media out of Hollywood. So the studio head decided to hire a public relations man to help them restore their image. William Hays was hired and was expected to be a spokesperson for the code. He convinced the studios that this was the safest solution to restoring Hollywoods image. (www.pbs.org/wgbh/cultureshock/beyond/hollywood.html) Just like the transition to silent film some of the actors were not able to acclimate to the harsh changes Hollywood had undergone. …show more content…
They preferred more provocative roles. Therefore, the Hollywood Code brought an end to their careers. The film code also made it difficult to create different genres such as comedies, horror, romantic, and action films. The actors that did stick with filmmaking after the code was introduced did not have an opportunity to take on diverse roles. With the invention of television people were allowed to watch movies front he comforts of their home. Therefore, producers had to find a way to lure audiences to theaters again. Keeping the code in place did not help them to increase revenue. Producers had to compete by creating stories that could not be seen on television.When movies were granted free speech protection under the first Amendment in 1952 it was obvious that the production code would not last much longer. In 1968 the code was officially abandoned and replaced with the rating system that exists today. (www.pbs.org/wgbh/cultureshock/beyond/hollywood.html) Producers had good intentions when they created the Hollywood Production Code. I believe it was far too detailed. It created too many restrictions leaving filmmakers baffled about what kind of story lines they would have to start to produce. I think it limited creativity and free thought forcing certain ideals on society. Media can form dangerous stereotypes leading to certain expectations on people. For instance if a child sees a movie with loving parents, a home, a dog, and a practically perfect life they will may become discouraged because no one’s life is perfect all the time. It can cause people to question why they think, look, or act