What was the primary role of the Production Code Administration in film history?

The Production Code Administration (PCA) played a pivotal role in shaping the moral landscape of American cinema for over three decades. Established in the early 1930s, its primary function was to enforce the Motion Picture Production Code, commonly known as the Hays Code. This code was designed to ensure that films adhered to specific moral standards and avoided content that could be deemed inappropriate, such as depictions of violence, sexual content, and the portrayal of criminal behavior in a way that could be seen as glamorizing or condoning those actions.

During its operation, the PCA was responsible for reviewing films before they were released to the public, granting them a seal of approval only if they complied with the strict guidelines outlined in the Hays Code. This oversight directly influenced the themes, narratives, and character portrayals within films, leading to a period of self-censorship among filmmakers striving to secure the PCA's approval in order to avoid commercial losses. As a result, the PCA's enforcement of moral standards significantly shaped the content of Hollywood productions during this time, highlighting its key role in film history.