The Hollywood Code in 1934 banned references to homosexuality in films, but sexual public service movies got around this by warning of the “evils” that such behavior produced. Watch out, Betty. That lesbian is getting mighty close!
The Hollywood Code in 1934 banned any reference to a long list of subjects, including homosexuality.
The enforcer of the code, Will Hays, stated that that no picture should ever "lower the moral standards of those who see it" and that "the sympathy of the audience shall never be thrown to the side of crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin."
Source: pictureshowman.com
Filmmakers got around the code by marketing their work as 'public service' films. One example is the cheap exploitation film, Sex Madness, produced in 1938.
Via: youtube.com
The film includes plenty of creepy guys at burlesque shows making faces like this:
Source: i.imgur.com
And of course, warned us all about the horror that is Syphilis.
Source: ebay.com
