Censorship in Movies: Part One

The Production Code introduced in the 1930’s took on the view that films were forms of art and entertainment, and should thus exemplify and promote the Christian message.  In addition, the Code believed films should not delve into subjects dominated by controversy, including social and political issues.  Films that contained ‘sinful’ content such as sexual or vulgar content were deemed as ‘evil’ and were censored.  I believe this code, along with most other forms of censorship does not correspond with a Christian view.  Christians are called upon to show discernment and demonstrate the Christian ideals by example, and not to force Christian views upon others.   Whether or not I agree with the Code is irrelevant.  In the long run, censorship will accomplish nothing but dissatisfaction and rebellion in the masses.  The Christian ideals will be lost in a society where Christian ideals are forced on its citizens. 

The movie It Happened One Night was more similar to modern romantic comedies than I had initially expected.  The story revolves around a male and female’s awkward adventure together, where gender roles are swapped and chaos ensues until all loose plot twists are wrapped up in the conclusion.  While there is obviously no blatant sexuality, there are plenty of sexual connotations to make up for this.  The director also made sure to utilize every awkward scenario to build sexual tension between the characters in subtle ways.  The Audience, consisting of the poorer population, would typically sympathize with Peter as Ellie was part of the elite upper class and thus would be more difficult to relate to.  Peter is clearly the stronger of the two, and in the end both seem to come out as ‘winners’.  I’d go as far as to say Ellie was almost completely dependent on Peter both emotionally, physically, and for a short time even financially.  Peter would give her emotional support, provide her with food and clothes, and pay for her bus fares and car fuel.  Ellie in my opinion did not fit the typical ‘strong woman’ role type found in the genre of screwball comedy.