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Friday, May 20th, 2005 * BABY FACE Uncensored and TWO SECONDS

The era of Pre-Code films ran from 1930 to 1934. During that time women portrayed in films were modern, defiant and complicated. They ditched cheating husbands, had lovers, had careers and were independent and unapologetic. Prior to this time, many women’s roles either depicted the woman as good or bad—the sinner or saint—the virgin or whore. In other words, prior depictions of women were simple stereotypes that allowed no room for shades of gray.

I first discovered Pre-Code in college and I remember being shocked (yet thrilled) at how bold and brazen it was. Until then I had only been exposed to Classic Hollywood films that were Westerns, Musicals, Comedies, Horror and pretty pure stuff overall. Pre-Code was vastly different and proved to be a complete revelation. These films tackled adult issues and really brought complex morality and mature thought to the screen. They also offered incredible roles for women that were sexually charged which was something I had never expected to see in an old movie. When the Production Code came into effect and cracked down on Hollywood these films became extinct. It is a shame…but at least for a brief few years these films got made and were able to create an impact that can still be seen and felt to this day.

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