1. Lesson 2 – History of Film Censorship and Regulation
What is the Hays Code?
A code established in 1930 which dictates the rules of motion picture production
What are the three 1. ‘’No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of
principles of the Hays those who see it. Hence the sympathy
Code? of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime,
wrongdoing, evil or sin.’’
2. ‘’Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama
and entertainment, shall be presented.’’
3. ‘’Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be
created for its violation.’’
Evaluate whether the values highlighted in the code are still relevant in todays society. Are there any
things in this code that are still upheld?
Social views and hence film legislation has changed hugely since Hays code. The majority of the rules in
hays code have at least been loosened, if not erased completely from modern film legislation. Things
such as mixed race relationships, revenge, lustful kissing, sexual references and profanity have all grown
on society and are now all common elements modern day film plots. Society used to be very strict
compared to nowadays in terms of manners and swear words, profanity, and violent acts were taken
seriously. Nowadays however, people remind themselves that they are only watching a film.
The only rules which I think has survived this is the show of rape, and repellent subjects:
XII. Repellent Subjects
The following subjects must be treated within the careful limits of good taste:
• Actual hangings or electrocutions as legal punishments for crime.
• Third degree methods.
• Brutality and possible gruesomeness.
• Branding of people or animals.
• Apparent cruelty to children or animals.
• The sale of women, or a woman selling her virtue.
• Surgical operations.
3. Seduction or Rape
a. They should never be more than suggested, and only when essential for the plot, and even then never
shown by explicit method.Rape is something that has always been viewed as very wrong and disturbing
in society and always will be.
b. They are never the proper subject for comedy.There must be very few films out there which portray
rape as funny
Crimes Against the Common part of action film plots ageguidelines are used
Law
Sex
Common part in all genres of films, age guidelines are used
Vulgarity
age guidelines are used
Obscenity
age guidelines are used
Profanity Commonly appear in films as society is more casual in approach to religion

2. Costume Revealing costumes appear in many films. Nudity is also common but there is
a line – private parts are not to be exposed
Dances
Seductive dancing is now very common
Religion
Rules are less strict but religion is generally well respected and handled
carefully
Locations
National Feelings Not as strict
Titles
Can name your film pretty much what you want
Repellent Subjects Are still not acceptable these days