Motion Picture Association of America. Production Code Administration records
Special Collections
Margaret Herrick Library
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Title: Motion Picture Association of America. Production Code Administration
records
Date (inclusive): 1927-1967
Collection number: 102
Creator:
Motion Picture Association of America
Extent:
240 linear feet of papers.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Available by appointment only.
Property rights to the physical object belong to the Margaret Herrick Library. Researchers are responsible for obtaining all
necessary rights, licenses, or permissions from the appropriate companies or individuals before quoting from or publishing
materials obtained from the library.
Motion Picture Association of America. Production Code Administration records, Margaret Herrick
Library, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
The Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) was formed in 1922 to defend the film industry against censorship,
create ties with the public and community groups, and protect the interests of the motion picture industry. In 1930, the organization's
president Will Hays introduced the Production Code, a document designed to help the industry regulate itself by following
certain moral principles and guidelines. Hays chose Joseph Breen to oversee the administration of the Code in 1934. Under
Breen, the studios were required to submit all screenplays for approval and all films released by MPPDA member companies were
required to display a Code seal. In 1946, the organization changed its name to the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA)
and Hays was succeeded by Eric Johnston. The Production Code remained in force until 1968, when it was superseded by the MPAA
ratings system, which is still in use today.
Collection Scope and Content Summary
The Motion Picture Association of America Production Code Administration records span the years 1927-
1967 and encompass 240 linear feet. The collection chronicles the activities of the Production Code
Administration (PCA) in relation to more than 19,500 film properties submitted for approval. The files
contain clippings, including film reviews and other articles; correspondence, including interoffice memos
and memos "to the files"; analysis charts; synopses; credit sheets; theater and book reviews; and censor
board reports. Some files may include script excerpts, treatments, music and lyrics, meeting notes, and
in rare instances, photographs.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files
Organization records