Today in class, Mr. Bennett again mentioned the Hays Code, the 1930's production codes that made many suggestive themes illegal to be put in films. I decided that since he mentioned it, I should look it up and the full text of the provisions of act is included in this link: (if anyone is interested)
http://www.artsreformation.com/a001/hays-code.html
But ironically about two and half weeks ago or so, I was watching the show At The Movies, the current reincarnation of the original Siskel and Ebert, a classic, unlike this currently weak show currently starring Ben Mankiewicz and Ben Lyons. But when I was watching the show, one of the critics suggested a DVD pick called the "Forbidden Hollywood Collection Vol. 3," a collection of 6 films that were created before the implementation of the Hays Code, covering subjects like wedlock pregnancies, mail-order bribes, and adultery.
Clearly based on the fact that it is Volume 3, there are two Volumes before this with a collection of several pre-Hays code films, and other commentary based on the industry before the Hays code put morality into movies. According to critic on At The Movies, this collection makes Clint Eastwood, "look like Dr. Phil", and some of the films star big actors such as James Cagney.
I haven't gotten to it yet, but I thought it would be interesting to take a look at some of the films personally, to say how the industry worked 80 years ago when it wasn't as innocent as I would have thought. I also would like to see the Celluoid Closet because that sounds interesting as well. If anyone is interested, you might one to check out one of the volumes.
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ReplyDeleteI HATE the new version of At The Movies. I used to watch Ebert & Roeper every weekend and I loved it because it was such a simple concept. Two guys sitting around talking about movies. Now we got these two new shmucks and all these stupid new segments. They completely ruined it. I don't watch it anymore. It disgusts me. Ironically enough, they changed the format to attract younger audiences, and it has in turn, pushed me away.
ReplyDeleteIt would be pretty interesting to see some films pre-Hays Code. Maybe at the end of the term if we have some extra time we could suggest the idea to Mr Bennett to show one.
Yea I agree with Nick, I can't watch that crap anymore. Ben Lyons is an embarrassment to all of mankind...in my humble opinion of course.
ReplyDeleteI took a film class once and we talked about the Hays Code, and our teacher showed us two different Tarzan movies, one from the late 20s/early 30s before the Hays Code was really in place and one in the 40s I think when it was in full force. It was pretty interesting to see the difference.