Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema
Before the G, PG and R ratings system there was the Production Code, and before that there was, well, nothing. This eye-opening documentary examines the rampant sexuality of early Hollywood through movie clips and reminiscences by stars of the era. Gloria Swanson, Mary Pickford, Marlene Dietrich and others relate tales of the artistic freedom that led to the draconian Production Code, which governed content from 1934 to 1968. Diane Lane narrates.
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📋 Film Details
| Year | 2007 |
| Country | United States of America |
| Genre | Documentary |
| Director | Elaina Archer |
| Runtime | 70 min. |
| Rating | TMDB: 4.3/10 (5 votes) |
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🎬 MovieFinder's Take
The film constructs a compelling narrative arc, relying on a treasure trove of archival footage, star interviews, and film clips to trace a direct line from artistic liberty to strict censorship. It explores the provocative content that flourished before the Hays Code and the cultural anxieties it sparked.
What lingers after viewing is a newfound appreciation for the complex battle between expression and control that shaped Hollywood's golden age. — MovieFinder Editorial
Director: Elaina Archer
Best Watched
Best watched with a curious mind, interested in film history and cultural shifts.
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