The Motion Picture Production Code, commonly called the Hays Code, governed the content of major American studio films from the 1930s through the 1960s. It restricted portrayals of sexuality, crime, religion and other subjects considered unsuitable for audiences.

How censorship shaped Hollywood

Filmmakers developed creative ways to suggest subjects that could not be shown directly. The system gradually weakened as social attitudes changed and independent cinema challenged traditional studio rules.

Explore more Hollywood history in the Hollywood archive.

Imran Siddiqui

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