What mechanism was used to repress political content in films?

The mechanism that effectively repressed political content in films during a significant period in American cinema was the Blacklist. This practice emerged during the late 1940s and continued into the 1960s, primarily as a response to the perceived threat of communism. Individuals in the entertainment industry, including writers and directors, were often accused of having communist ties. As a result, they were blacklisted, meaning they were barred from employment in Hollywood. This led to a significant chilling effect on artistic expression, wherein filmmakers avoided political themes or content altogether to protect their careers.

The Blacklist not only targeted specific individuals but also created an environment of fear and self-censorship, where filmmakers were cautious about how they portrayed political issues. This atmosphere stifled creative expression and limited the exploration of controversial topics in motion pictures.

In contrast, while the Production Code was a form of censorship that focused on moral standards, it did not specifically target political content in the same manner as the Blacklist. Similarly, the Ratings Board and the Motion Picture Association had different roles regarding content classification and industry regulation, rather than direct repression of political themes.