The Hays Code

The Hays Code was a set of industry guidelines established in the 1930s that governed the content of Hollywood films. Its goal was to ensure movies upheld moral standards, avoiding depictions of crime, sex, violence, and other behaviors deemed inappropriate. The code aimed to promote family-friendly entertainment and prevent government censorship by self-regulating Hollywood productions. It was strictly enforced until the late 1960s, when changing social norms and the decline of the code led to more relaxed content standards and the development of the modern rating system.