alix1929

Absolutely the Code was about censorship! To the best of my memory, I recall that if the movie industry didn't watch itself and what it put out for public viewing, a very vocal group threatened to boycott the movies. Ah ha...the almighty dollar! The Code was written to placate the many people who objected to the material that was being brought to their local theatres. Yes, I know the Production Code was in effect before the stock market crash, but between 1929 and 1934 most producers/directors simply paid lip service to the "do's," "don'ts," and "be careful abouts." We also need to remember there was no rating system like the one we have today, so viewers were not always able to decide if a movie was too adult-orientated or offensive for them to see. So who decided if a story was too offensive--the Breen office, by enforcing the Production Code. This certainly sounds like censorship to me.

I would love to know which of these movies, from the early 30's, the rest of you TCM fans have enjoyed.

Here here! Well said. And variety is the spice of life!

I caught this movie on tape (accidentially) about 5 years ago and just treasure it! All of the actors give excellent, sensitive performances in this film, and I always get engrossed in the three girls' stories. This movie has one of my favorite, sexiest scenes. I love the part where Otto Kruger and Madge Evans take shelter from the rain while waiting for a cab. Every time there is thunder, Madge practically jumps into his arms, and each time, her lips gets closer and closer to his. The first time it happens, she says, "Oh, I'm so sorry," and he replies, "That's what I was afraid of." I love that scene. You can just feel the attraction between the two. I liked Otto Kruger's performance a lot--in fact I looked him up on the IMDb to see what else he had done. And of course, kudos to Una Merkel, for doing what she does best--be Madge Evans' best friends. What a gem this movie is!

Hey! Thanks TCM! I'm sure enjoying the rarely played movies from the 1930's that have been shown this month. As an avid pre-Code fan, I watch anything made between the years 1929 and 1934, and I've seen several this month that I'd never seen before. I thought LOOSE ANKLES with Loretta Young and young Doug Fairbanks Jr. was very cute. I wondered if that one had been shown before? I also enjoyed STRAIGHT IS THE WAY, with Franchot Tone. It was odd to see him playing a tough guy role, and frankly, I thought he did a good job. And beautiful Alice White--a very cute, practically forgotton flapper--was great in NAUGHTY FLIRT. Let's see more movies like these! Even if they don't rate as an A+ movie, what a thrill to get a chance to see some of these forgotten titles!

Thank you for mentioning one of my favorite stars. Yes, she did seem to be relegated to the role of best friend, but didn't she do it well?? She was excellent with the snappy comeback and had a voice that you always remembered. I always tune into any movie that I see she's acting in because I always enjoy her performance.

By the end of the movie, I think that the attraction was still there, but the chance at revenge was too sweet. The look on her face as she ascends the staircase, listening to him beat on the door, was smug and satisfied. I also think the little moustache was "foppish and dumb."

I also like WHAT PRICE HOLLYWOOD. Not only do I like Constance Bennett (how beautiful she was!!) but I also liked the performance of Lowell Sherman. I think I read that he died in the early 1930's--what a shame. He appears to have been a competent actor and director, one we should be more familar with today. What studio was he mostly associated with? Anyone know?

You name some really good titles! It would be so nice for TCM to lease some juicy pre-Codes, like THE STORY OF TEMPLE DRAKE. Has that shown on FMC or AMC, I wonder?

Thanks for responding. This "pre-Code" board is practically dead anymore. I sure miss the chit-chat about my favorite genre of movies!

I'd love to see Clara Bow highlighted. And I'd like to see some of her movies that haven't already been programmed before--like the recently restored KICK IN, or NO LIMIT. Show HOOPLA and CALL HER SAVAGE, her two last talkies. I'd also like to see some of her silents, like MANTRAP or THE PLASTIC AGE. It'd be okay by me if you showed the bio made on her a year or so again too, as I thought it was a pretty good one.

My favorites were, and still are Junior Mints (love to nibble a hole and suck out the mint) and Milk Duds! You can keep your soft drinks--too pricey and then I have to get up and go to the bathroom!

Just some light-hearted fun here! When you were young, what was your favorite thing to buy from the snack bar to eat/drink during the movie? What is your favorite snack now? Or are you one of those people who can completely bypass the munchies and only watch the film? (Sorry, gotta go...I smell the popcorn popping!)

Oh darn--Winnie Lightner wasn't in the Bert Lahr movie! What was I thinking of! Who was that actress??? Charlotte....somebody. Help, I've drawn a blank on her last name.

Regarding LIFE OF THE PARTY with Winnie Lightner--I caught this on tape a few years back during a pre-Code day of films, and love it. Winnie is awesome. I also caught her in one just the other day with Bert Lahr that had to do with a flying machine. I'd love to see more of her movies. She was very funny.

Mongo, is Marcia Mae Jones still living? Or was this bio done sometime back?

Shackiet, I think most of us understand how it is to fall in love with movies made over 70+ years ago--and have nobody to talk about them with! When my friends start in on Brad Pitt, I think to myself, "Give me Gary Cooper." When they go on and on about how beautiful J.Lo is I think of the way Joan Crawford looked in an Adrian gown. Have you considered trying to make "converts" out of your friends & family? My husband is now "one of us," and my youngest son can identify Clark Gable, Jean Harlow and John Barrymore. Not bad for a kid who watched Yu-gi-oh. We are glad you're here!

Robert Osborne Forever. 'Nuff said.

You made my day! The answer is....COURAGE!

Thanks, Coffeedan, for the info on the two Bros. I knew the Marx Bros. used to plan out their movies and take them on the road to work on their gags and the like, but didn't know if they started there, or just used vaudeville as their gigantic rehearsal. I think you hit the nail on the head about the Ritz Bros. They ARE overbearing. It's just too much. I have not seen either of the two movies you mentioned as their "best" movies, so perhaps I need to check them out.

Slappy, I love your quote from WIZARD OF OZ. That song the Cowardly Lion sings is soooo good. Thanks for reminding me...

I liked CHARIOTS OF FIRE! I was the one in the theatre holding my breath at Eric Liddell ran his race! I still think it's an awesome movie, and I love the sets! They are so marvelous, and give the viewer a taste of what things were like during that era. Oh, how could anyone want to destroy this movie? Get rid of AUSTIN POWERS instead--and yes, I saw all of those movies! Talk about a waste of film! Yeah, baby!

Technicolor! Ah, to have seen the 1939 version in color! I always have wondered what color Roz Russell's dress with those big eyes on it was. I also would have liked to have seen all the evening wear worn to the Casino Roof club in the last scene. Oh, if only to have seen "Jungle Red."

Which set of "brothers" came first in the movies--Marx or Ritz? Did they both originate in vaudeville, or were they movie inventions? Given my choice of the two, I'd choose Marx Bros. over the Ritz.

Sorry to hear this. I think Charles Hamilton would have been a crummy part to have played, except for the fact that at least he had a job!! If Charles had lived, I think Scarlett would have run over him like a tank. Do you think if they had stayed married he would have ever "awakened" to the fact that she was a big "player?" Or do you think he would have stayed nausatingly in love with her forever? Poor Charles. As Rhett said, "Pity the man who really loves her."