Most of the Production Code Administration files I’ve browsed have less than 60 pages. Some hit 100+. And then there’s SCARFACE (‘32) with an overwhelming 356. #PreCodeApril
No surprise, but Howard Hughes pushed the envelope with this film, & the censorship file details some of his moves, the title battle & much more. At one point, an idea was even floated to position SCARFACE as an anti-gangster/anti-gun picture to get it past censors. #PreCodeApril
Given its perilous censorship situation, a jury of MPPDA Board of Director members was called at one point to review the film. Robert Cochran declared: “We have got to make this picture propaganda enough against firearms to save it. The way it is, it is impossible.” #PreCodeApril
That angle was eventually dropped, & at one point Hughes, tired of back & forth edits, released the uncensored film to press & select states that didn’t have a censor board. The positive reception made him proclaim “there will be no compromise with the censors.” #PreCodeApril
Well, there had to be though. The film was rejected by censor boards in Chicago & NY (NY was later overturned) & edits were required in PA. That said, it passed without changes in VA, OH & KS. #PreCodeApril
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