Building a pre‐Code video collection

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on a group of films that were made during a little‐known period of Hollywood filmmaking known as the “pre‐Code” era. It seeks to provide an overview, historical background, and a general discussion about censorship and the cinema.

Design/methodology/approach

This research examines key actors, directors, and films that exemplify the characteristics of “pre‐Code”. The criteria for inclusion set by this study take into account not only their subject matter, but their availability on home video.

Findings

This comprehensive bibliography includes information on some of the actors who appeared in these films as well as summaries of select films. Commercial web sites that distribute and sell pre‐Code films are also presented. Key actors, directors, films, and companies that were involved in the production of pre‐Code films are identified and discussed. General reference works about film are highlighted as well as web sites, blogs, and other online resources that provide reviews and detailed discussions of pre‐Code Hollywood films.

Originality/value

The article offers guidelines for building a pre‐Code video collection and discusses why its subject matter is of interest to academia, especially in regard to women's and ethnic studies courses.

Citation

Tang, J. (2009), "Building a pre‐Code video collection", Collection Building, Vol. 28 No. 2, pp. 68-74. https://doi.org/10.1108/01604950910953116