“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.”
