Commentary
If you’ve read my articles for The Epoch Times, you probably have seen me make reference to the Motion Picture Production Code, the Production Code Administration (PCA), and Joseph I. Breen. Very rarely do I fail to mention that the Production Code, commonly called the Hays Code, was the set of moral guidelines which governed Hollywood during its Golden Era, held accountable by the PCA as long as Joseph Breen was in charge (1934-1954). As those familiar with my writing will confirm, the Code’s enforcement is my favorite topic and my angle for reviewing most old movies.
Perhaps my frequent but brief references to Joseph Breen have made you curious to know more about the man who I believe was responsible for Hollywood’s Golden Age of decency. I hope they have, since one of my greatest goals as a writer is to increase awareness and banish misconceptions about Joseph Breen. It’s not easy to find a lot of information about Mr. Breen, especially reliable facts which go beneath the surface. I first read about the Code on Wikipedia, and Joseph Breen’s Wikipedia page was my first source of information about him. It’s been updated since I first read this page seven years ago, when it pointed me in the right direction for finding out more about this man’s fascinating life and work….