Motion Picture Production Code

The Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC), or more famously known as The Hays Code, was set into motion in the 1930s and was ultimately discontinued in the 1960s. The MPPC, affected hundreds of films throughout that time period, I will be focusing on how it affected films like 1932’s Scarface and 1942’s Casablanca. Both of these films, came out after the code was released with a 10 year interval in between. These films were both heavily affected by the code and had to make many changes to adapt to this new era of Hollywood. Scarface heavily threatened the “crimes against the law” clause while Casablanca threatened the “sex”, and the films had to change or else they would go through a deal of trouble and possible money loss to be shown. Origin…

In 1930 a code known as the Motion Picture Production Code was established. The Production Code was the determining factor of what could be shown on screen. The Code preached that films were to never corrupt the moral standards of the viewers, every film must present realistic standards of life, and the films were to never disrespect the law. Nudity, references to sexuality, sexual behavior, rape, children’s sex organs, white-slavery, sex hygiene and miscegenation were not to be shown. Subjects…

The impact that the world had on the film industry pushed them toward changing the Code to a Rating system. This was the idea that there would be no approval or disapproval of the content, instead, they would give caution to parents about the movie (MPAA 52). This gave the industry a chance to break out of that constant conformity and make whatever movie they could come up with. The caution didn’t come in just a caption about the movie - it came in a certain rating system that the National…

In the genre of science fiction, authors and directors create new worlds of fantastic possibilities. Some of these worlds take place in our future, theorizing about things that are to come, while others take us to galaxies far, far away. Regardless of where or when the story takes place, particular conventions are always certain. One such convention is that when a new technology is central to the plot, the technology will cause harm. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan demonstrates this through the…

457). One of the stranger facts about Stockholm Syndrome is that it does not simply end with the release of the captives. Contrary to popular belief, many victims will continue to sympathize with their captors long after their release. In fact, in a case study done on groups of hostages, five out of five groups had individuals who expressed no negative feelings and even fondness towards their captors (de Fabrique, 96). Stockholm Syndrome is a mysterious disorder, but one that seems increasingly…

comedic effect that the original piece is missing. Mr. V has shown me that all Disney movies have the same formula. Is the Shakespearean formula the only formula? Why is it so interesting for children, and even adults, that a character of any story or movie goes through each step? It probably has something to do with our minds. How we as humans feel comfort in the struggle and power in rebound and happy ending. Do we hope this is what happens in our life? One thing for sure is that Shakespeare…

In 1937, Walt Disney Pictures produced its first princess film. Almost seventy-nine years later, a total of twelve Disney princess movies have been completed, with each one bringing a captivating narrative to life. These classic tales feature a female protagonist that aspires to discover herself. Along the way trials are uncovered and, by the conclusion of the story, it makes the princess a better person overall. Villains normally create these obstacles and are an essential part of these movies;…

Kirby Dick’s documentary This Film is Not Yet Rated is an investigation into the Motion Pictures Association of America and its movie rating system. Through Dick’s examination, it becomes clear that the MPAA has several biases concerning sexuality, violence, and film producers. Because of these biases and a lack of definite ratings standards, Dick argues that the MPAA is not the moral backbone of the film industry it claims to be; it is a “subtle form of brainwashing,” censorship, and propaganda…

A film is an art form. Composer, Henry Mancini, once said, “the real creative power is in the mind and heart of the composer.” Henry Mancini was the composer for Touch of Evil and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. While these two films may seem like they don’t connect with each other at any point, they do and it is with Henry Mancini. By examining Touch of Evil and Breakfast at Tiffany’s through the lens of Henry Mancini’s music choices we can see that Mancini’s music choices were just as important as…

In the case of violence in media, the amount of violence needs to be regulated among age groups as today many young children are able to witness inappropriate content throughout all forms of media. This display of violence in activities that children participate in everyday can have a negative effect on them. Young children often do copy what they see and they are most at risk when it comes to this over exposure of violence. More than ever before our youth is exposed to large amounts of violence…