Exactly ninety years ago, the film industry decided to police itself in response to widespread public criticism of risqué films featuring too much sex and violence. The result was the introduction of the Hays Code, a set of guidelines the studios followed from 1934 onwards to make movies “safe” for general audiences.
Named after the then president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Will Hays, the code governed what could and could not be portrayed on screen. The self-censorship plan was also a way to avoid government regulations on the industry.
Before being distributed, all films had to adhere to the code’s ruling that they not lower the moral standards of the audience. As such, graphic violence, nudity, and profanity were among the things suddenly prohibited.
The code was replaced in 1968 by the age-based movie ratings system, which remains in place to this day.
But now, in its 90th anniversary year, there has been much reflection on the code, its effectiveness, and its place in history. While public tastes change over the years—as do opinions about what is acceptable to be shown—the filmmaking industry will be relieved that it continues to play by its own rules.
SANDRO MONETTI