Unless you’ve been shackled in a sex dungeon, chances are you’ve heard about the impending Fifty Shades of Grey movie. Even by today’s standards, the hotly-anticipated flick will push boundaries like never before as it brings S&M to the big screen.
And as critics cry foul against the films naughty nature, it’s interesting to note how acceptable standards and censorship in film has evolved over the years.
Up until 1968, things like kissing for more than three seconds, open mouth kissing, and suggestive nudity were strict no-go’s as deemed by the Motion Picture Production Code (MPPC).
The 35-point code covered a range of deplorable offences, categorized as either “Don’t’s or “Be Carefuls.” These guidelines were first implemented in 1930 after public outcry against the apparent immorality being featured in films of that time. It wasn’t until the late 1950’s that the film industry stopped following the guidelines so closely. This was due in part to the impact of television, the influence of foreign films, and bold directors pushing the envelope. In 1968, after several years of minimal enforcement, the outdated Production Code was replaced by the MPAA film ratings system that we use today.
So when you go see Fifty Shades of Grey next weekend, or any other notable sexy films, stack it up against the MPPC’s list of Don’ts. We’re certain it will be even more controlling than Mr. Grey.
- Pointed profanity – by either title or lip – this includes the words “God,” “Lord,” “Jesus,” “Christ” (unless they be used reverently in connection with proper religious ceremonies), “hell,” “damn,” “Gawd,” and every other profane and vulgar expression however it may be spelled;
- Any licentious or suggestive nudity – in fact or in silhouette; and any lecherous or licentious notice thereof by other characters in the picture;
- The illegal traffic in drugs;
- Any inference of sex perversion;
- White slavery;
- Miscegenation (sex relationships between the white and black races);
- Sex hygiene and venereal diseases;
- Scenes of actual childbirth – in fact or in silhouette;
- Children’s sex organs;
- Ridicule of the clergy;
- Willful offense to any nation, race or creed
My, how times have changed.
