A Brief History
On March 31, 1930, censorship came to Hollywood!
Digging Deeper
The United States roared through the 1920’s and left the prudish Victorian period behind.
Until of course somebody decided they knew better than you what you should be watching! The 1920’s saw risqué films that shocked conservative audiences and Hollywood scandals that led people to believe that Hollywood was full of sex and violence oriented miscreants! The Motion Pictures Producers and Distributors of America hired the former Postmaster General, Will Hays, to be the public face of Hollywood to reassure the public and smooth over State and local attempts at restrictive censorship laws.
If the industry could police itself, lawmakers would not have to.
The Motion Picture Production Code originated in 1930 under the direction of Hays, and became enforced starting in 1934. Despite the distaste that censorship evokes, the Code must have been successful because it lasted until 1968 and Hollywood certainly prospered during the 38 years the Code existed.
In 1968, the MPPC was replaced by the movie rating system we know of today, which allows much more artistic expression while warning movie goers of the type of content ahead of time, allowing them to choose for themselves the type of film they want to see.
The types of subjects the Code “protected” us from included references or depictions of child sexual activity or genitals, sex between races, profanity, irreverent religious references and any negative depiction of religion. Perversion, illegal drugs, child birth (actual, not implied), venereal disease, and a host of other subjects were closely monitored so that any use or reference to those subjects would somehow be manipulated to provide the status quo moral lesson.
Care would have to be taken to avoid offensive depiction of our national flag, any particular race or nationality, detailed criminal activity (to avoid becoming a “how to” film), rape, prostitution, gruesome or graphic bloody and gory scenes, and explicit executions or surgeries. Kisses were limited to 3 seconds each!
Although Hays, and later Joseph Breen (starting in 1934) did not have the authority to force a studio to make the “recommended” changes to movies being reviewed for compliance with the Code, the prospect of facing legal problems from zealous state and local censors convinced producers to comply with enforcement of the Code.
In the 1950’s and 1960’s filmmakers chafed under the Code’s restrictions and pushed back, stretching content to or past the limits outlined in the Code. When it became obvious that something had to change, it did, and the industry developed the ratings that are used today.
Censorship in all forms remains a controversial subject, whether in movies, television, radio, or print. Some people believe it is vital to the morals and well being of our society, while others believe there should be free expression period. Question for students (and subscribers): What do you think? And would you watch any of the following films with your parents? Please let us know in the comments section below this article.
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Historical Evidence
For more information, please see…
Doherty, Thomas. Hollywood’s Censor: Joseph I. Breen and the Production Code Administration. Columbia University Press, 2007.
Gilbert, Nora. Better Left Unsaid: Victorian Novels, Hays Code Films, and the Benefits of Censorship (The Cultural Lives of Law). Stanford Law Books, 2013.
<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="1599 http://www.crackedhistory.com/?p=1599">108 Comments
I think some things should be censored, but parents should hold some responsibility on what they allow there children to watch or listen to.
i believe that things should be censored because sometimes you do not know exactly what is going to be in the movie and i think its good for the people who make the movies because having movies uncensored will deter people from the movies. but i agree what parents do have a part in what kids lesson to and watch.
Most movies today really do not care what they show. Censorship seems to apply to tv shows, but does not apply to movies and sometimes not video games. Home censorship and not taking children to certain movies and buying some video games seems to be our only defense now.
Movies should never be censored, freedom to the people.
It’s so crazy that kisses were limited to 3 seconds, especially considering what movies show today.
It’s good to have the rating system so that people can decide for themselves what they want to see, but I think some things are way too censored today. It’s also unfair that women are much more censored in movies then men.
I think parents should be more more involved and more careful with what there children are watching. I think some movies should be censored becasue we dont know what is going to happen in the nest scene.
I feel that there should not be censorsip on movies. The parents should be more careful with what their children watch now a days.
Im not sure how to interpret the suggestions as to why and why not you should watch these movies with your parents. Sounds like they are either saying because your partents are old or mature enough to accept this kind of filming to you don’t wnat them to know you watch it. Sick sick sick
Meant to say parents are not old or mature enough to accept this kink of filming or don’t you want ten to know you watch it.
Yeah i think that sometimes parents should censor some movies. but that is what ratings are for. You dont know what is going to happen next
I think that some things need to be censored when they are being played on television considering anyone of any age could see it – assuming the parents aren’t around to make the choice. However, I think there should be the version that the director wants available as long as it has a rating that fits what it has on the film so people can go out and purchase it. I don’t like there being a limit on art.
I find it interesting how much what is appropriate for viewers has changed.
Nowadays, Hollywood became one of the best job that you can have, it became an effective message that might be helpful and beneficial for the society.
While I understand censorship, I believe that if violence, sexual innuendo and sexual acts are depicted for the benefit of a story and the enlightenment of a viewer, they are essential to the film.
I think parents should monitor what their children are watching at a certain age as well as some things should be censored.
Children should have censorship as to what they’re watching because children sometimes learn behaviors from television shows.
There’s the expression that “we are what we eat.” Well, I think that can be extended to what we watch too. I’m not saying that watching Criminal Minds makes you a psychopath or a FBI profiler, but what we watch does influence us on what we think is acceptable in real life. Censorship isn’t always a bad thing, but it can be abused to keep the people in the dark.
I think censorship is necessary on television, because no one knows what people will be watching and when. For movies I think they are rated for a reason and should have censorship according to the rating.
It is good now that they creating the rating system, it warns the watching about what content is in the movie. Parents know the rating before they let their children watch a movie.
I am glad they have censorship. This changed the face of Hollywood and t.v. for the better.
I think the censorship rating system used now works well in informing viewers what to expect in the movies or shows they’re watching.
Its hard to believe that movies were censored to only having kissing last 3 seconds each.
Today, censorship is nothing of what it used to be. You can almost see anything on TV or in the movies now!
I can’t believe the censorship they had back in the day, compared to what they have today. It is quite the difference.
The censorship back in the day is nothing close to what it is now. I think that it is a good thing that movie are rated because now a days movies show pretty much anything.
I think the modern rating system is well done. It is good because it can prevent children from watching movies they shouldn’t be watching. It lets the parents know if a movie is appropriate for their child.
Censorship keeps people form seeing things that do not necessarily be shown publicly.
I understand why there was censorship. It was a different era and some people just were not ready for change
Censorship keeps the true inventors from showing what they wanted to show
Censorship now is no where near to how it used to be. i think today you honestly can see just about anything on the tv without it being censored which is kind of sad
I think censorship is a good thing, especially for young children. There’s no need for them to be subjected to some of the things that they are today.
I think censorship is very important especially when you are a parent to younger kids. I do not think things like this should be shown. It is very immature for the things that are shown, said, and done in movies. It ruins the movie and watching movies in general.
I am thankful that the concept of censorship was put into place. Adults deserve to know ahead of time what they (or their children) are about to watch, although sometimes censorship can mask the true meanings/feelings that the filmmaker was trying to achieve from his/her viewers. -ACL
I feel like to a degree that this censorship still must be in play today- not by banning the fake usage of drugs and covering that up, but the reality that this actually happens. In another sense, I could see this having legal issues when they are not accounted for in a sense of child sexuality.
To some extent censorship should be used but there is a line that it should not cross.
I am glad censorship was created so that viewers have an idea of what a wholesome and non wholesome movie looks like.
Censorship remains to be a controversial topic. There are arguments that censorship imposes on peoples right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression. As a parent, I am thankful for censorship. There are many vulgar and inappropriate acts occurring that I would prefer children not be exposed to.
Censorship has defintley changed over the decades. From television, movies, music, and even books, censorship will always be controversial. What children should see and hear is probably the main conflict.
I am glad there are movie ratings so I can make an informed decision what to watch. Unfortunately, it is hard to get away from some of the inappropriate commercials that come on when my granddaughter is watching TV.
Censorship is crucial, especially when parents are not able to monitor their children at all times while watching tv. It is crazy how much entertainment can get away with now, compared to back in the 1990’s. Censorship and what is considered appropriate and not appropriate has definitely changed.
I think it is good that we have a movie rating system because it informs the viewer on what to expect from the movie. It also is a way of protecting the youth from seeing something that they are not mature enough to handle.
I like the idea, as the article said, “If the industry could police itself, then lawmakers wouldn’t have to”. Music and TV ratings now follow similar guidelines.
I think censorship is a good thing. I think if the people of this time were to hear today’s music or watch television today they would be shocked. Many things have changed and more and more things are allowed to be said and done on television.
there is a thin line between censorship and the constraints of freedom of speech. we have to becareful what we show but some people may try to limit what movies are trying to say
I think that between censorship there can be a line drawn in the sand as to where to call it freedom of speech, I think that by having to censor certain content to protect a certain audience can be difficult and smart at the same time
I think the movie rating system is a good idea now that I have been of age to see high rated movies. When I was underage I thought it dumb and we should be allowed to see what we want but now I would not want to be in an rated R movie with 12 year olds around.
I do not think censorship was unreasonable. I grew up with a much cleaner TV environment then there is today. Call me old fashioned, but I think we have enough sex and violence in this world already that we should not have to see it on TV all the time. I agree with the rating system fully and know when my children were growing up I used it for them. Yes there is freedom of speech but why should a three year old be subjected to garbage, don’t they have a right to be innocent for awhile.
Overall, I think that censorship is very reasonable and should be used today, especially in computers. In my high school, there was an ongoing debate as to whether the computers should sensor “cuss” words and sexual images from children’s eyes. On TV, I believe that the rating system is very good. My overall opinion is that it is really good because if you know that something is rated “R,” and are easily offended, then you should probably turn the TV off.
I agree and think that censorship is a wonderful idea for children that are too young to see it. Children are still so young and developing their mind and thoughts and I feel that having them see graphic images or words that should not be used is not the best aid in their development and can cause more harm than good. I know that I would not want my child being exposed to the amount of graphic texts and movies that are out nowadays.
I believe that censorship was necessary in the ways of protecting children from vulgar movies. I have seen some of the movies that come out these days and wonder how these people would feel about them.
I was most shocked to see that this censorship “protected” viewers from seeing sex between races, but I guess it shouldn’t be surprised considering the year.
I am a believer in censorship. I honestly feel as though a lot of the shows that are on TV now are a little too much, but I also believe that this is an artistic expression. I think that what is on TV needs to be more censored than movies though because you make the choice to go watch a movie, or rent a movie, but flipping the channels on TV could lead to seeing things that are not appropriate for all ages
At this time I feel censorship was very important because of the views of that time. In today’s world censorship doesn’t surprise me how it is done. People have so many different views and at least know ahead of time what the movie may consist of prior to going to the movie.
Censorship was very important, it prevented people from imitating the bad behaviors in the movies.
After reading the article, it makes me to think about Chinese State Administration of Radio. In China, all TV shows or movies are controlled by government. If there are some violations in a show or movie, the government will not pass it to the market until the company fix it.
I think censorship is very valuable and meaningful. I wouldn’t want my five year old nieces and nephews watching the same rated R movie that I was watching.
I think censorship was very important when it came to movies.
I think censorship is very important to have especially with the increase of children learning how to use technology.
I think having this code was important so film making could be monitored and ok for the public
It’s amazing Hollywood was able to stay successful with the MPPC in place.
I think censorship is good for the most part.
I believe censorship should be used, but very limited.
Censorship is necessary is some instances but should not be over used. When it comes to movies, however, censorship, in my opinion, should be very minimal if not no existent because if a movie has something bad in it then the parents should just not let their kids watch it.
I think censorship isn’t a bad idea if used carefully.
Censorship should definitely be used in some aspects of television and movies. However, I do believe that sometimes it can ruin some television shows and movies.
I am glad the code was replaced by our current system. Let the person choose what they want to read, view, or listen to.
Life would be very different if this were still in effect. I’m glad to live in a place with freedom to express yourself through what you see or watch and the music you listen to. Censorship would change this country drastically, and our generation wouldn’t know how to handle it.
Censorship is needed to an extent.
I feel censorship is needed in some cases. Even TV commercials have gotten more bold, with sexual tones, race and gender changes. When I was younger, you could not turn on the tv and see all the taboo undertones that you see today.
I find it hilarious that it was required that the movies that contained anything slightly risque had to be turned at the end to include a ‘moral lesson’. It reminds me of every ‘Full House’ episode ever filmed!
I think the censorship definitely fit the times. I wish we had censorship today. What my children can hear and see, just in a commercial, is way to sexual. It seems we have no limits these days.
What is weird is they have ratings and censorship on movies but you are right what about commercials.
I think it’s funny some of the things they sensored. Especially the way movies are now.
Some movies they put pg13 on should only be pg. So why do they do this and make them more then what they are.
censorship is needed in some ways but somethings they censor are to strict.
Free expression trumps censorship in the name of protection any day in my opinon. The ratings sustem we have now allows for that and allows folks to watch or not watch what they want.
Censorship is topic that is spread out on opinions because something that we don’t see offensive doesn’t mean its not offensive to anyone else. I think that is why they just go across the board and censor everything that could be offensive.
Censorship today seems to be gone. Local/basic cable do not shy away from vulgar language or sexual developed scenes. This type of language and scene used to be left for cable(HBO and Cinimax) television back in the day.
Agreed with several classmates. I think people would like to see it but in today’s world children are listening to more and more uncensored things.
I think we need censorship because TV now is out of control and children should not watch certain things. Parents can’t be everywhere and with technology now, they can watch TV on there computers, phones, and pads. I have seen lot since I became a Police Officer, but sometimes what I see on TV shocks me.
I believe censorship to be necessary. Rating movies was a great idea , as this ensures that you are prepared for the type of content that you are about to view (Per the movie rating).
Censorship has always been an issue, especially for us parents. I know personally I am constantly worrying about what my kids see through entertainment and advertisements.
Censorship and ratings is necessary. Without knowing the ratings, I probably would have taken my daughter to go see Deadpool. Since I had read the ratings, I am so glad I did not take her to see it.
Censorship is a good thing, as long as it allows one to choose for themselves. One thing that should be more censored are the commercials for horror movies, children should not have to witness those while watching a child’s movie on television.
I’m sure the lack of censorship in todays media platforms has nothing to do with the traits our society no shows compared to past eras.
I believe the rating system we have now is appropriate. It gives guidelines and recommendations to viewers and also prevents too young eyes from seeing things they don’t need to. It also keeps the freedom of choice by allowing people to view what they want. imagine if our movies were still no foul language, no depiction of drugs, and god forbid no surgery reenactment (for my Grey’s Anatomy people)!
The use of censorship is the responsible thing to do and use. Without censorship, the youth would be able to watch anything wanted. Children should be guided by their parents, and parents should be able to guide with the assistance of censorship.
Censorship was a smart thing to do. It gave the parent the choice of whether or not they wanted their children to watch the movie. Giving them the warning of what was in the movie was a responsible thing to do.
I believe censorship and ratings are a good thing that allows kids to not see anything they shouldn’t according to their age and maturity level.
Without censorship, kids would be exposed to any and everything on television and also on the internet. The rating system is always useful to. If ratings didn’t exist we wouldn’t receive a heads up. It is always good to know what your getting yourself into.
It is my opinion that the rating system is useful and should be enforced. I personally like the idea of deciding if my children should watch a program that is rated for a more mature audience or if they should only be watching something that is for the younger generation.
I think censorship is important it is a guide to know what is in a show or movie. This gives parents information on what their child may hear or see.
I think the current rating system is outdated and needs reforming. What was once PG-13 material back when I was a child, easily qualifies as rated R material now. The innuendo in almost every movie now is over the top as well.
Intersting to think about what was risqué in the 1920’s versus what we see on the screen today.
Some of the things censored back then seem quite silly and I think today some movies are censored enough. I remember taking 3 little girls to see the Spongebob movie and could’t believe how distasteful it was and it was rated PG!
I think today the movies are targeted to peak sexual interest in people no matter the age. Even cartoons now slide in some things that are not appropriate.
Though parents should be responsible for watching what there children are doing, you can’t be there at all times. I think it was necessary to put some type of system into place to make sure you were at least warning people of what they are about to see. Not everyone is ok with more extreme situations.
Kisses were really timed? That is crazy when you can watch a movie today on T.V. that has nudity and it is rated R. The greatest line in this article is, “If the industry could police itself, lawmakers would not have to.” Isn’t this statement true for every single avenue of our lives?
In my opinion, censorship is like prohibition – it’s never going to work. Sex sells movies it’s a fact. “Conservatives” are just going to have to find something else to complain about.
I am curious as to see a movie in the 1920’s which was considered profane and uncensored and compare the film to what we see today. I also have to agree with Kyle, unfortunately sex does sell. There are plenty of times I find it unnecessary in movies but I just roll my eyes and deal with it.
I believe the rating system is very useful, especially for parents when deciding to allow their children to watch programs of the television or in a movie theater. Many younger children are viewing more than they should at the age they do only because movies and shows are not rated properly. Nonetheless some movies and shows are rated to high for instance some shows have kissing scenes and are R-rated. Crazy in my opinion.
They were worried about sex with different races back then??!! Yikes! What about the things we see now on different movies?! Having children, the rating is somewhat useful. I do allow my 9 year old to watch some pg-13.
I agree with a rating system, however I disagree with censorship by default.
The rating system is both necessary and helpful, but I do not agree with censorship. If the rating warns of the content censorship is not necessary.
I did not know that there was a limitation of time about three seconds for different situation during the film production. Such as: Bloody, kisses, prostitution etc. Interesting.
It is necessary to review the film, because the information spread faster and faster, the details of the film will often affect people’s views on society
My parents watched all movies censored or not with me and my brothers. I limited my daughter to kids stuff and nothing like Law and Order until she was almost an adult. She is 22 and by now has watched everything I wouldn’t allow. She understands though why she wasn’t allowed when she was little.