Pre-Code Hollywood

Deva
Feb 16, 2018
3 min read

What is pre-code Hollywood?

Pre-code Hollywood was the brief era in the American film industry in which filmmakers had more freedom in telling and portraying their work without the enforcement of censorship.

When Hays Code censorship guidelines were announced in 1930, most American filmmakers found themselves at loss in terms of expressing their movies the way they aspired to, as the code prevented many from portraying adultery, drugs, violence, homosexuality, or basically any other -taboo- subject that could come to mind.

Conservatives were the ones to insist on the Code as they were convinced that the film industry lacked morality and was driving audiences into sex mania.

If you have watched any pre-code movies, you would have noticed that the movies were not that immoral, but to an extent for a traditional society during the 19th-20th century, it probably was for their traditional standards.

I personally don't see the big deal about censorship.

If a movie was made for a mature viewing, then you sell it to a mature audience. If a movie is rated PG, then you sell it for family audiences, and so on.

It's pretty obvious that art industries have somewhat progressed on their own terms during our current time (thank God!) but censorship is still an obstacle for most filmmakers. Maybe it's for the best, or maybe not. However, I am a big supporter for people having their own freedom in their work, so as long as they're not hurting anybody, I truly don't see what the big deal is (my personal opinion).

Anyways, here's a list of 7 pre-code movies that I found and decided to share with you, my lovelies. Enjoy.

1. Gold Diggers of 1933

Things get tough for Carol (Joan Blondell) and her showgirl pals (Ruby Keeler, Aline MacMahon) when the Great Depression kicks in and all the Broadway shows close down. Wealthy songwriter Brad (Dick Powell) saves the day by funding a new Depression-themed musical for the girls to star in, but when his stuffy high-society brother finds out and threatens to disown Brad, Carol and her gold-digging friends scheme to keep the show going, hooking a couple of millionaires along the way.

2. Three on a Match

Mary (Joan Blondell), Vivian (Ann Dvorak) and Ruth (Bette Davis) are old friends who do some catching up after a chance meeting. Of the three women, Vivian, who married successful lawyer Robert (Warren William), seems to have the most glamourous life. Vivian really isn't satisfied, though, and she soon deserts Robert and her son for Mike (Lyle Talbot), a mobster. Before long, Vivian is hooked on drugs, and Mike needs cash -- so the gangster decides to kidnap Vivian's own son for ransom.

3. Red Dust

When earthy prostitute Vantine (Jean Harlow) arrives at Dennis Carson's (Clark Gable) rubber plantation in Indochina, she initiates a steamy affair with the rugged foreman, but is sent packing when the passion cools. Soon Dennis is joined by new employee Gary (Gene Raymond) and his classy but high-strung wife, Barbara (Mary Astor), who falls into Dennis' arms while her husband is away. When Vantine returns, Dennis must decide between the refined adulteress and the tramp with the heart of gold.

4. Footloose Parade

Motion pictures may have put Broadway director Chester Kent (James Cagney) out of a job, but he quickly finds a second career producing musical sequences for the movies. Unfortunately, a cutthroat competitor keeps stealing his ideas. That cannot happen on his next commission, a rush job for a big-time theater chain. If his work impresses, it'll lead to an exclusive contract. Chester has only three days, but with the help of his smitten secretary, Nan (Joan Blondell), he just might pull it off.

5. Safe in Hell