Description
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.
Background
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Production Code remained in force until 1968, when it was superseded by the MPAA ratings system, which is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.
Extent
7 linear feet of papers.
1 linear feet of photographs.
Restrictions
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.
Availability
Available by appointment only.