Essay about The Motion Picture Code of the Great Depression

The Motion Picture Code of the Great Depression During the times of the Great Depression, film was viewed as a valuable importance to people. Film during this time of distress contributed to the maintenance of the national morale of America. During this time Hollywood played a valuable part, getting over eighty million Americans to attend theaters, but soon it would become a lot harder as America continued living in the Great Depression. Everyone in America, even the most troubling of poverty families attended movies. With a movie to watch, Americans sought refuge in a fantasy world. Films during this time were a perfect distraction. Not only for audiences but also for the artist creating their work. It was extremely†¦show more content†¦Will Rogers, another famous comedic director, known for his political satire was a huge hit amongst audiences. Films such as Judge Priest, where he played a rustic politician, was a fan favorite amongst crowds. Mafia films were the type of films Hollywood continued to produce at this time. Gangster characters were characters that American citizens could compare themselves too. There was a hint of patriotism in every Gangster film that thrilled audiences. The passion to take away from the rich and give to the poor. Movies such as Little Ćeaser, Scarface and Public Enemy were all classic hits that made stars out of actors like Edward G. Robinson, James Cagney and Paul Muni. Although gangster films were a hit with the mainstream audiences, it wasnt with the Protestant and Catholic religious groups. This sparked the beginning of the new movie code, that would be introduced. In 1934 with the Movie Industry still plummeting, the Motion Picture Production code was put into action. The Code was founded in 1930 and was made to censor films and create guidelines for production studios to adhere to. The code was never carried out until 1934, when the Production Code Administration was founded. They required all films and even scripts, be pre approved before going to theaters. This was done under the administration of Joseph Breen, who took over for the Hays office after 1934. WillShow MoreRelatedBlock Booking System, Admission Price Discrimination, And The Formation Of Clearance And Zoning Boards1142 Words   |  5 Pages The Code established trade practices consisting of the block-booking system, admission price discrimination, and the formation of clearance and zoning boards. Block booking was a practice in which motion picture companies would sell their movies in ‘blocks’ in a package deal to the exhibitors. 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