MOTION PICTURE PRODUCTION CODE Meaning and
Definition
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The Motion Picture Production Code, also known as the Hays Production Code, refers to a set of guidelines and regulations imposed by the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) from 1930 to 1968. This self-regulatory code aimed to maintain a certain level of decency and moral standards in the production and distribution of films in the United States.
The Motion Picture Production Code had a profound impact on the American film industry during its three-decade existence. It enforced strict rules regarding the depiction of violence, sexual innuendos, and even certain political and religious topics on screen. The code aimed to uphold and promote traditional family values, respect for law, and the sanctity of marriage.
Among the regulations set by the code were limitations on the portrayal of bedroom scenes, prohibition of explicit language, and restrictions on the depiction of criminal activities. It also discouraged the portrayal of miscegenation, drug use, and was particularly stringent in preventing the presentation of homosexuality or discussions surrounding it. The code required all films to undergo a rigorous review process before being granted a seal of approval, indicating that the movie complied with the code's guidelines.
However, due to the changing social and cultural climate of the 1960s, the Motion Picture Production Code eventually lost its relevance and started to become more of a hindrance than a help to filmmakers. In 1968, it was replaced by the current rating system implemented by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA), allowing filmmakers more freedom of expression while providing adequate information to audiences regarding a film's content.
