What was the purpose of the Motion Picture Production Code, also known as the Hays Code?

The Motion Picture Production Code, commonly known as the Hays Code, was established to ensure that film content adhered to a set of moral guidelines. Put into effect in the early 1930s, the Code aimed to regulate what could be shown in films so that they reflected social norms and moral values of the time. It addressed issues such as crime, morality, and sexuality, outlining what was considered acceptable or unacceptable for audiences.

The primary intent was to prevent unwholesome content that could corrupt viewers, especially considering the growing influence of cinema in American culture. Filmmakers had to submit their scripts for approval, and films that did not comply with the Code would not be distributed widely. This system significantly shaped the storytelling and visual norms of Hollywood films for several decades, influencing not only the types of themes that could be explored but also how they were presented on screen.

Other options focus on aspects like experimental filmmaking, funding, or film literacy, which were not the primary concern of the Hays Code. Instead, the Code was specifically aimed at maintaining a standard of morality in film production.