Motion Picture Association of America. Production Code Administration records, 1927-1967

Summary

Creators:

Motion Picture Association of America

Extent:

240 linear feet of papers.

Language:

English

Background

Scope and content:

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.

Biographical / historical:

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 The Production Code remained in force until 1968, when it was superseded by the MPAA ratings system, which is still in use today.

Arrangement:

Arranged in the following series: 1. Production files

Rules or conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Organization records

Location of this collection:

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, Margaret Herrick Library

333 S. La Cienega Blvd

Beverly Hills, CA 90211, US

Contact:

(310) 247-3036 extension 2226

specialcollections@oscars.org

Website