The Motion Picture Production Code Quiz

Study Notes

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.