Pre-Code Hollywood

File:Sinsoftfocus.jpg

Clara Bow on the cover of Sin in Soft Focus, a book by Mark A. Vieira about Pre-code Hollywood.

Pre-Code films are films created during the period of 1930-1934, before the Motion Picture Production Code or Hays Code was created. Although there was an existing code of conduct for the film industry, many ignored it. Films from this period are very risque for the 1930's and could include sexual innuendos, drug references, references to homosexuality, as well as women in their undergarments, which was quite a tabu at the time. Popular character roles are tough talking assertive women, gangsters, and ladies of the night.

Many classic film fans today prefer these pre-code films for their mix of class and trash.

Popular Pre-Code Stars

• Joan Blondell
• Ann Dvorak
• Joan Crawford
• Clara Bow
• Barbara Stanwyck
• Humphrey Bogart
• Jean Harlow
• Dorothy McKaill
• Alice White
• Miriam Hopkins
• Evelyn Brent
• Ruth Chatterton
• Bert Wheeler
• Una Merkel
• Anita Page
• Helen Twelvetrees
• Nancy Carroll
• Bette Davis
• Greta Garbo
• Allen Jenkins
• Norma Shearer
• Mae West

Notable Pre-Code Films

• The Sign of the Cross (1932)
• Trouble in Paradise (1932)
• Queen Christina (1933)
• Design for Living (1933)
• I'm No Angel (1933)
• Riptide (1934)

External links

• The Motion Picture Production Code of 1930