Hollywood Censored: The Production Code Administration and the Hollywood Film Industry, 1930-1940

Abstract

The article discusses the influence of activist Catholic clergy and laity on the creation and implementation of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America's production code. The operation of the Production Code Administration in its first decade is examined with specific reference to the problems surrounding "BELLE OF THE NINETIES" (Paramount, 1934), "THE MERRY WIDOW" (MGM, 1934), "THE PRESIDENT VANISHES" (Paramount, 1934), and "BLACK FURY" (Warner Bros., 1935).