Forbidden Hollywood: The Pre-Code Era (1930-1934): When Sin Ruled the Movies

by Mark A. Vieira

“This code prohibits the use of all the ingredients that have proven sure-fire box office,” opined Variety. “How can a movie which satisfies a child of twelve be made morally safe for a man of thirty-five?” asked the Nation. “Thus far the censors have spent all their time protecting children against adult movies; they might better protect adults against childlike movies.” The New York World predicted, “That the code will actually be applied in any sincere and thorough way, we have not the slightest belief.”

“Dirt Craze Due to Women” was the Variety headline the day before A Free Soul opened. “Women love dirt. Nothing shocks ’em. They want to know about bad women. The badder the better. Women who make up the bulk of the picture audience are also the majority readers of the tabloids, scandal sheets, flashy magazines and erotic books.

At Warner Bros., Darryl Zanuck promised to restore salaries within a month. “That night I went to the Brown Derby,” recalled actress Aline MacMahon. “Waiters were carrying large bowls of caviar behind a screen. And behind the screen were the Warner families, celebrating. It was a great break for them.”

A Louisiana exhibitor affirmed: “The church people clamor for clean pictures, but they all come out to see Mae West.”