Descriptive Summary
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Biography
Collection Scope and Content Summary
Indexing Terms
Descriptive Summary
Title: Motion Picture Association of America clippings and radio transcripts
Date (inclusive): 1934-1976
Collection number: 1224
Creator:
Motion Picture Association of America
Extent:
7 linear feet of papers.
1 linear feet of photographs.
Repository:
Margaret Herrick Library. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Languages:
English
Important Information for Users of the Collection
Access
Available by appointment only.
Publication rights
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.
Preferred Citation
Motion Picture Association of America clippings and radio transcripts, Margaret Herrick Library,
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.
Acquisition Information
Gift of the Motion Picture Association of America, 1979
Biography
The Motion Picture Association of America is an American film self-censorship organization. In 1922,
the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) was formed with Will Hays as president,
primarily to defend the film industry against censorship. In 1930, 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. 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Production Code remained in force until 1968, when it was superseded by the MPAA ratings system, which is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 clippings and radio transcripts span the years 1934-1976 and
encompass 8 linear feet. The collection consists of clippings on the Production Code Administration,
censorship, SMPTE conferences, and legal opinions on California Proposition 18 concerning obscenity
legislation. There are also press releases from 1961 to 1971, clippings of columns by Bosley Crowther and
Jimmie Fidler, and transcripts for radio programs with Fidler, Sheilah Graham, and Will Tusher. Finally,
there are photographs of foreign dignitaries in the United States.
Arrangement
Arranged in the following series: Not arranged in series.
Indexing Terms
Motion Picture Association of America