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Questions and Answers
What did the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC) primarily aim to ensure?
What did the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC) primarily aim to ensure?
Which year was the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC) established?
Which year was the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC) established?
What was a consequence for directors who violated the MPPC?
What was a consequence for directors who violated the MPPC?
What was one of the restrictions imposed by the MPPC regarding language?
What was one of the restrictions imposed by the MPPC regarding language?
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What change in Hollywood occurred by the 1950s regarding the MPPC?
What change in Hollywood occurred by the 1950s regarding the MPPC?
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What aspect of movie content did the MPA rating system focus on?
What aspect of movie content did the MPA rating system focus on?
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Which type of scenes were restricted under the MPPC concerning sexual content?
Which type of scenes were restricted under the MPPC concerning sexual content?
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Which organization replaced the MPPC in 1966?
Which organization replaced the MPPC in 1966?
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Study Notes
Overview of the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC)
- Post-World War I America saw a rise in films exploring themes of prostitution, drugs, and murder.
- Initial attempts at regulation by the Supreme Court in 1919 faced resistance from filmmakers.
Establishment of Self-Regulation
- The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors Association (MPPDA) was created in 1922 as a self-regulatory body in response to government oversight pressures.
- In 1934, the MPPDA introduced the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC) to ensure films were suitable for all audiences.
Restrictions Imposed by the MPPC
- Language: Prohibited explicit sexual language, banning words like "broad," "hot," "whore," and "fairy."
- Sexual Content: Required that intimate scenes depict married couples and mandated full clothing.
- Kissing: Stipulated that prolonged kisses were not allowed.
- Violence: Imposed strict limitations on violent content, with fines of $25,000 for violations.
- Notable films operating under the MPPC included Citizen Kane and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Impact of the MPPC on the Film Industry
- The MPPC significantly shaped American cinema, particularly during the Great Depression when films became a primary entertainment source.
- By the 1950s, Hollywood began resisting the MPPC's restrictions, influenced by the rising popularity of television.
Transition to the MPA Rating System
- The Motion Picture Association (MPA) was formed in 1966, leading to the development of the MPA rating system.
- This system replaced the MPPC, emphasizing content description over censorship, providing viewers with information on sexual, violent, or other sensitive content.
- The rating system empowered audiences to choose films based on their content preferences.
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Description
Explore the impact of the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC) on American cinema following World War I. This quiz examines the evolution of film content regulation and the response from directors and producers during the 1920s.
