March, 1933 – The Hollywood Code of Production went into effect in February, 1930 and three years later it has been determined that stricter enforcement is necessary. No date has been set for this change, but there is no doubt that the effect on movie-making will be a negative one.
Why the change? Certain films and stars have drawn the censor’s attention. The completion of 1932′s Scarface was delayed several months over censorship issue’s regarding the glorification of the gangster lifestyle and excessive violence.
Jean Harlow, MGM’s sexiest new star, raised a few eyebrows alongside handsome Clark Gable in the romantic Red Dust, and Mae West snubbed censorship issue’s with sexual parody in She Done HimWrong.
Is anyone safe? Apparently not, even popular cartoon character Betty Boop has found herself under the Code of Production magnifying glass after a theater owner allegedly complained about “smut in cartoons.”
It looks like the Hollywood Code of Production may be slipping into the ridiculous.
Starring – Ann Sheridan (Randy Monaghan), Robert Cummings (Parris Mitchell), Ronald Reagan (Drake McHugh), Betty Field (Cassandra Tower), Charles Coburn (Dr. Henry Gordon), Claude Rains (Dr. Alexander Tower), Judith Anderson (Mrs. Harriet Gordon).
Description – A powerful drama set in a midwestern town just before World War I that tells the intertwined story of its citizens. The story concerns itself particularly with two young men Parris Mitchell, and Drake McHugh.
Revealed through the growing years of these two men will be the corruption and moral decay that lurks behind the peaceful facade of this serene community. There are many difficult facts that must be dealt with including challanges, tragedies, social pressures, and dark secrets.
It’s all there; just under the surface of small town America.
NOTABLE: This motion picture received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Sam Wood), and Best Cinematography, Black and White.
This film was Ronald Reagan’s most notable role and was the inspiration for the title of his 1965 autobiography ‘Where’s the Rest of Me?’
There were problems with the Hays Code regarding this film, as they strongly objected to any reference to incest, homosexuality, nymphomania, and euthenasia.
The town depicted is based on Fulton, Missouri; the actual home of the novel’s author Henry Bellamann.
March, 1922 - Those voices calling for some form of film industry censorship have become loud enough to finally be heard. With the recent scandal involving comedian Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle, and the apparent murder of director William Desmond Taylor under awkward circumstances, Hollywood's leading studios have decided on a program of self-regulation to be administered by a newly formed organization called the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA).
Former postmaster general Will H. Hays will head the organization and has issued this statement regarding its aim, "To foster the common interest of those engaged in the industry by establishing and maintaining the highest possible moral and artistic standards in motion picture production, by developing the education as well as the entertainment value and general usefulness of the motion picture… and by reforming abuses relative to the industry…"
From now on, the Hollywood film industry will be closely scrutinized.
September, 1951 – Elia Kazan's screen version of the Tennessee Williams' play A Streetcar Named Desire had to undergo some changes but still maintains its controversial theme. This smoldering stage play was forced to lighten up a bit for the big screen in order to avoid the wrath of the Hollywood Production Code (Hays Code), and the National Legion of Decency.
Changes were made to the screenplay and other scenes were cut entirely. In spite of these censorship concessions, the film version of A Streetcar Named Desire still retains it atmospheric power. How could it not? With the intense performance of Marlon Brando, who became an international star playing the role of Stanley Kowalski, and the immensely talented cast that includes Vivian Leigh, Kim Hunter, and Karl Malden, there was never any doubt.
Add to that an exceptional screenplay along with fiercely focused direction and the result guarantees A Streetcar Named Desire a place among Hollywood's all-time best.
Starring – Joel McCrea (John L. Sullivan), Veronica Lake (The Girl), Robert Warwick (Mr. Lebrand), William Demarest (Mr. Jones).
Description – This is a very enjoyable and satirical look at Hollywood. Film Director John L. Sullivan is a successful director of light comedy who wants to make a serious movie about the poor and downtrodden.
In an effort to learn first-hand about the troubles of the poor he sets out, against the wishes of his producers, to hit the road with only a dime in his pocket and dressed as a hobo. Along the way he meets ‘The Girl,’ a struggling young actress on the brink of giving up.
Feeling as though she has met a kindered spirit, she is angry to find out that he is no hobo at all, and to make things worse; he’s married. From this point on things go from bad to worse for our would be hobo as he loses his memory for a time and when it returns he is unable to convince people who he really is.
Add to this the complication that he now faces prison for an assault and his trek into the lower level of social life teaches him a lesson in the true value of comedy.
NOTABLE: In 1990 this film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
In 2007, the American Film Institute listed this motion picture as #61 on their Greatest Movies of All Time list.
The movie’s poster is ranked #19 on “The 25 Best Movie Posters Ever” list by Premiere.
The ever prying eyes of the Hays Commission had some problems with the script, and wanted to make sure that there were no sexual overtones between Sullivan and The Girl in the scene where they both slept at a mission.
Actress Veronica Lake hid the fact that she was six months pregnant at the start of filming. When learning this director Sturges was furious. After confering with Lake’s doctor, Sturges hired a double for some scenes, and famed costume designer Edith Head to help concel her condition.
It was thought that Preston Sturges may have gotten the idea for this movie from the life of actor John Garfield who actually lived the life of a hobo during a portion of the 1930′s.
Included in Preston Sturges – The Filmmaker Collection
Personal Comment: If you haven’t noticed by now, Director Preston Sturges has mulitple comedy listings suggested here that have deserved high praise. He was a true comedy directing genius.
