The impact of the Hays Code, formally known as the Motion Picture Production Code, on the history of cinema is undeniable. While the Code’s official adoption was in 1930, its enforcement remained inconsistent until 1934, making identifying the very first film produced explicitly under its guidelines a complicated, often debated, historical puzzle. However, most scholars and film historians agree that “The Sign of the Cross” (1932), directed by Cecil B. DeMille, is widely considered the first major Hollywood production consciously made under the emerging stricter scrutiny and censorship that would come to define the Production Code era.
The Murky Waters of 1930 and Beyond
The story of the Hays Code isn’t a simple one. The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA), headed by Will H. Hays, adopted the Code in March 1930, aiming to self-regulate the industry and prevent government censorship. However, enforcement was largely voluntary and inconsistently applied during the initial years. Films continued to push boundaries, often ignoring or circumventing the Code’s guidelines. This “pre-Code” era, spanning from 1930 to 1934, is known for its edgier content, including themes of sexuality, violence, and challenging social norms that would become practically forbidden under the Code’s strict enforcement. DeMille, known for his lavish and often provocative productions, likely made “The Sign of the Cross” with a heightened awareness of the Code, even if its impact on the finished film is debated. This makes it a pivotal, albeit controversial, example of a movie attempting to navigate the new, rapidly shifting cinematic landscape.
The Debate Surrounding “The Sign of the Cross”
While “The Sign of the Cross” adhered to some aspects of the Code, particularly in its relatively sanitized portrayal of violence compared to earlier films, it still contained elements considered problematic by some censors, even in 1932. The film’s depictions of Roman decadence and the thinly veiled sexual tension were carefully crafted to push boundaries without overtly violating the Code. This strategic approach highlights the filmmakers’ understanding of the Code’s emerging power and their attempts to navigate its restrictions. It’s important to remember that the real teeth of the Hays Code came in 1934, with the establishment of the Production Code Administration (PCA) led by Joseph Breen, which gave the Code unprecedented enforcement power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Hays Code and Early Hollywood
Here are some common questions and answers that shed light on the impact of the Hays Code and its influence on early Hollywood productions.
FAQ 1: What exactly was the Hays Code?
The Hays Code, officially the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of industry censorship guidelines designed to regulate the moral content of films produced in the United States. It outlined what was considered acceptable and unacceptable content, covering a wide range of topics from sex and violence to religion and crime. The goal was to avoid government censorship by self-regulating the industry.
FAQ 2: Why was the Hays Code created?
The Hays Code was created in response to growing public concern about the content of films, particularly the perceived negative impact on youth. Religious groups, civic organizations, and government officials expressed worries about the portrayal of crime, sexuality, and other potentially harmful themes in movies. The MPPDA, headed by Will H. Hays, sought to appease these concerns and maintain a positive public image for the film industry.
FAQ 3: Who was Will H. Hays?
Will H. Hays was a prominent figure in American politics before becoming the head of the MPPDA (later the MPAA). He served as the Postmaster General under President Warren G. Harding. Hays was hired by the film industry to improve its public image and prevent government censorship. His role was crucial in developing and promoting the Hays Code.
FAQ 4: What were some of the specific restrictions imposed by the Hays Code?
The Hays Code imposed numerous restrictions on film content. For example, films were not allowed to depict explicit sexual content, glorify crime, ridicule religion, or portray authority figures in a negative light. Adultery, drug use, and miscegenation were also explicitly forbidden. The Code aimed to promote what it considered to be moral and socially responsible values.
FAQ 5: What does “pre-Code Hollywood” mean?
“Pre-Code Hollywood” refers to the period between 1930, when the Hays Code was adopted, and 1934, when it was strictly enforced by the Production Code Administration (PCA) led by Joseph Breen. During this time, filmmakers often ignored or circumvented the Code’s guidelines, resulting in films with more daring and controversial content than those produced later under stricter enforcement.
FAQ 6: How did the Production Code Administration (PCA) change the enforcement of the Hays Code?
The PCA, established in 1934, significantly changed the enforcement of the Hays Code. Under the leadership of Joseph Breen, the PCA had the power to review and approve scripts before production and to demand changes to completed films. Films that did not receive PCA approval were effectively blacklisted from major theater chains. This gave the PCA considerable control over the content of Hollywood films.
FAQ 7: How long did the Hays Code remain in effect?
The Hays Code remained in effect, in various forms and with varying degrees of strictness, for several decades. However, its influence gradually waned in the 1950s and 1960s as societal attitudes changed and filmmakers increasingly challenged its restrictions. The Code was officially replaced by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) rating system in 1968.
FAQ 8: What was the MPAA rating system that replaced the Hays Code?
The MPAA rating system, established in 1968, replaced the Hays Code with a system of voluntary film ratings designed to provide parents with information about the content of movies so they could make informed decisions about what their children should see. The original ratings were G (General Audiences), M (Mature Audiences – later changed to PG), R (Restricted – under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian), and X (No one under 17 admitted).
FAQ 9: Why was the Hays Code eventually abandoned?
The Hays Code was eventually abandoned due to a combination of factors, including changing social attitudes, increasing challenges from filmmakers, and legal challenges to its restrictions. As societal norms shifted, the Code’s strict moral guidelines became increasingly outdated and irrelevant. Filmmakers like Otto Preminger and Billy Wilder challenged the Code’s authority by releasing films without PCA approval. The growth of independent cinema also weakened the Code’s grip on the industry.
FAQ 10: What impact did the Hays Code have on the types of stories told in Hollywood films?
The Hays Code had a profound impact on the types of stories told in Hollywood films. It led to a period of sanitized and often formulaic storytelling, with fewer films addressing controversial or socially relevant issues. Filmmakers had to find creative ways to imply or suggest problematic themes without explicitly violating the Code’s restrictions, often resorting to symbolism and allegory.
FAQ 11: Are there any positive aspects to the influence of the Hays Code?
While often criticized for its censorship, some argue that the Hays Code forced filmmakers to be more creative and inventive in their storytelling. They had to find subtle ways to convey complex themes and ideas, leading to a more nuanced and sophisticated form of filmmaking. The Code also helped to establish a sense of moral responsibility within the industry, though the definition of “moral” was often subjective and culturally specific.
FAQ 12: Where can I learn more about the Hays Code and its impact on Hollywood?
Numerous resources are available for those interested in learning more about the Hays Code and its impact on Hollywood. These include books like “Hollywood Babylon” by Kenneth Anger, “Behind the Screen: How Gays and Lesbians Shaped Hollywood, 1910-1969” by William J. Mann, and “Complicated Women: Sex and Power in Pre-Code Hollywood” by Mick LaSalle. Documentaries like “Hollywood: A Celebration of the American Silent Film” also offer valuable insights. Academic journals and film history websites provide further research and analysis of the Code and its legacy.
Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of a Code
Identifying the absolute first film produced “under” the Hays Code is an exercise in historical semantics. The enforcement vacuum of the early 1930s complicates matters considerably. However, the story of the Hays Code serves as a crucial reminder of the ever-evolving relationship between art, censorship, and societal values. While “The Sign of the Cross” might not be the definitive answer, it stands as a symbolic marker in the transition from the freewheeling pre-Code era to the heavily regulated Hollywood that followed, a period marked by both creative constraints and inventive workarounds. The Code’s legacy continues to resonate in the debates surrounding media censorship and the role of entertainment in shaping public perception.