How did the Production Code Administration respond to changes in societal values over time?

The Production Code Administration (PCA), originally established to enforce the Hays Code, underwent significant changes in response to evolving societal values over the decades. The correct answer reflects a pivotal moment in film history when the PCA ultimately moved toward the abolition of the Hays Code. This shift occurred as public attitudes toward censorship loosened and filmmakers began to advocate for greater creative freedom.

The Hays Code, instituted in the 1930s, imposed strict restrictions on film content, but over time, it became increasingly viewed as outdated. By the 1960s, social movements around issues such as sexuality, race, and personal expression gained momentum, prompting filmmakers to challenge the constraints of the Code. This led to a gradual decline in the enforcement of the PCA's rules, culminating in the eventual end of the Hays Code system in 1966 and the introduction of a new ratings system that provided a framework for categorizing films rather than imposing strict prohibitions.

Changes in societal values thus drove the PCA to transition from an era of stringent censorship to one that offered more flexibility, signaling a broader acceptance of diverse themes and narratives in cinema.