The Impact of the Hays Code: Classic Movies and Their Differences

Have you ever wondered how classic movies might have turned out differently had the Hays Code not been enforced? The Hays Code, also known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was a set of rules that governed the content of American films from 1934 to 1968. This self-imposed code aimed to censor inappropriate content and maintain moral standards. Several renowned directors had to make significant compromises to adhere to these guidelines, resulting in drastically different outcomes for their films. This article explores this fascinating topic, focusing on Charlie Chaplin's Monsieur Verdoux, Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, and the pre-code films Mystery of the Wax Museum and House of Wax.

The Compromises of Charlie Chaplin and Monsieur Verdoux

Charlie Chaplin, a pioneer in the film industry, often pushed the envelope with his controversial films. His 1947 film, Monsieur Verdoux, is a prime example of how the Hays Code impacted the final product. Chaplin initially planned to include a running toilet scene in the film, a scene that was publicly ridiculed and later depicted in Psycho. However, the censor board deemed such scenes inappropriate. As a result, Chaplin had to make significant compromises to ensure the film was approved. Had the Hays Code not existed, the film might have been far more edgy and experimental, perhaps even more controversial.

Compromises and Parallels with Orson Welles

Interestingly, the making of Monsieur Verdoux also caused a rift between Chaplin and Orson Welles. Orson Welles, a talented director in his own right, initially held the movie rights to a story about a man who murders to provide for his family. After making little progress, he sold the rights to Chaplin, who then became attached to the project. However, Welles insisted on a credit for creative rights, which further strained their relationship. This scenario highlights the often challenging dynamics between creators and the restrictive environment of the Hays Code.

The Hays Code and Pre-Code Films

To better understand the impact of the Hays Code, we can examine the differences between pre-code and post-code films. Pre-code films, such as Mystery of the Wax Museum from 1933 and House of Wax from 1953, were made before the introduction of the Hays Code and therefore had fewer censorship restrictions.

Mystery of the Wax Museum

Mystery of the Wax Museum, released in 1933, stands out as an example of vibrant, progressive storytelling. The film features a strong, proactive female journalist as the protagonist. She takes initiative by daringly questioning her friend, the desk sergeant, about his sex life and showing no qualms about exploring sensitive topics. The film avoids the common trope of portraying women as mere passive victims and instead offers a realistic and empowering portrayal. This film also highlights frank depictions of legal activities, such as the open sale of illegal alcohol. These depictions would have been less likely to be included in post-code films due to censorship laws.

House of Wax

In contrast, House of Wax, released in 1953, showcases a starkly different portrayal, heavily influenced by the Hays Code. The female lead is portrayed as passive, overly sensitive, and unambitious, often needing protection or assistance from male characters. A minor plot point in the film involves a woman fainting in the street simply because a man plugged a paddle-ball into his mouth, a scene that would be considered absurd and out of place in a post-code film. The film’s portrayal of women is indicative of the kind of restrictive and stereotypical gender roles that were more prevalent under the Hays Code.

The Impact of the Hays Code on Police and Criminal Elements

The Hays Code also imposed strict guidelines on the portrayal of police and criminal elements, often leading to oversimplified and unrealistic depictions. In both films, the police are portrayed as perfect, infallible heroes who outwit criminals in a way that seems almost too easy. In pre-code films like Mystery of the Wax Museum, the film includes a thrilling fight scene that would have been heavily censored in a post-code film. The whitewashing of criminal elements in post-code films like House of Wax reduces the depth and complexity of the narrative, making the story less engaging and more predictable.

Conclusion

The Hays Code had a profound impact on the content, style, and themes of classic films. While it aimed to maintain moral standards, it often stifled creativity and diversity. By examining the differences between pre-code and post-code films, we can gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by filmmakers during this time and how the Hays Code influenced the final products. The stories of Charlie Chaplin, Orson Welles, and the stark contrasts between Mystery of the Wax Museum and House of Wax serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between moral responsibility and artistic freedom.