The Hays Code

If motion pictures present stories that will affect lives for the better, they can become the most powerful force for the improvement of mankind.

A Code to Govern the Making of Talking, Synchronized and Silent Motion Pictures.

Formulated and formally adopted by The Association of Motion Picture Producers, Inc. and The Motion

Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc. in March 1930.

Motion picture producers recognize the high trust and confidence which have been placed in them by the people of the world and which have made motion pictures a universal form of

entertainment. They recognize their responsibility to the public because of this trust and because entertainment and art are important influences in the life of a nation.

Hence, though regarding motion pictures primarily as entertainment without any explicit purpose of teaching or

propaganda, they know that the motion picture within its own field of entertainment may be directly responsible

for spiritual or moral progress, for higher types of social life, and for much correct thinking.

During the rapid transition from silent to talking pictures they have realized the necessity and the opportunity of

subscribing to a Code to govern the production of talking pictures and of re-acknowledging this responsibility.

On their part, they ask from the public and from public leaders a sympathetic understanding of their purposes

and problems and a spirit of cooperation that will allow them the freedom and opportunity necessary to bring the

motion picture to a still higher level of wholesome entertainment for all the people.

General Principles

1. No picture shall be produced that will lower the moral standards of those who see it.

Hence the sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin.

2. Correct standards of life, subject only to the requirements of drama and entertainment, shall be presented.

3. Law, natural or human, shall not be ridiculed, nor shall sympathy be created for its violation.

In 1933 the Catholic Legion of Decency, later renamed the National Legion of Decency, was established to control and enforce decency

standards and boycott films they deemed offensive. “Unfortunately in 1968 the code was abandoned and replaced by a totally weak (in my opinon)

MPAA rating system that is based only on age preferences.” Christian Peschken

The Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code) 1930 -1968

“We need a similar code again, and Catholics should lead the way again!”-Christian Peschken