Why Be Good?: Sexuality & Censorship in Early Cinema

A brisk, affectionate lecture on old Hollywood's freedoms and the crackdown that followed, illustrated with clips and talking heads.

Directed by

Elaina Archer

Genres

Documentary

Starring

Diane Lane, Chris Basinger, Jeanine Basinger

Overview

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.

How it feels

Earnest, satirical and melancholic. Measured and needs your attention.

About

Media, art, gender, sexuality

Content

Mild sexual content. No violence, gore or swearing.

Note

Written by AI, so it can be wrong. Full breakdown

Your rating is saved. See your suggestions, or find titles like this one below.

Rate it, and Mesmero finds titles that feel like it. You do not need an account.

Search YouTube for a trailer (opens in a new tab)