The Dawn of Film Censorship: The First Banned or Censored Film

Throughout the evolution of cinema, the concept of film censorship has played a significant role. The very first major instance of film censorship involved the 1934 classic Tarzan and His Mate. This landmark film was not only a significant contribution to the early golden age of American cinema but also marked the start of strict regulations on what could be shown on screen.

Early Censorship in Film: The Case of Tarzan and His Mate

The first major instance of censorship under the Production Code involved the 1934 film Tarzan and His Mate. This movie, which tells the tale of the heroic Tarzan and his various adventures with animals and in romantic situations, included brief nude scenes involving a body double for actress Maureen O'Sullivan. Recognized as one of the first film censors, the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA) demanded that these scenes be edited out of the master negative of the film.

This action was not an isolated incident but marked a significant shift in the industry. The MPPDA, under the leadership of William Hays, was increasingly concerned with the decency of films and the impact they could have on the general public. The Production Code, also known as the Hays Code, was established in 1930 to enforce moral standards in Hollywood, but it was the case of Tarzan and His Mate that truly put it into practice.

The Nazi Ban of The Sound of Music

The first well-known instance of a film being banned on a large scale occurred under Nazi Germany. In 1938, the House of Fàhn (House of Music) in Vienna banned the 1965 film The Sound of Music. Following the Nazi takeover of Austria, films that were seen asModels were used here to get around potential copyright issues.

Historians and scholars often cite the banning of The Sound of Music as a symbol of the regime's intolerance towards cultural elements that did not align with their ideology. The film, based on a stage musical and it featured themes of love, faith, and personal freedom, were all values that were opposed by the National Socialist regime. This ban served as a clear example of how film censorship can be used as a tool of political control and propaganda.

Impact and Evolution of Film Censorship

The actions taken against Tarzan and His Mate and the ban of The Sound of Music laid the groundwork for the more rigid film censorship that would follow. As the 20th century progressed, censorship laws and guidelines became stricter, leading to the formation of institutions like the MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America), which continues to monitor and rate films based on their content.

Today, film censorship is a contentious issue, with different countries and cultures having varying levels of strictness. While some advocate for more stringent controls, others argue for a hands-off approach that respects artistic freedom and the rights of filmmakers. Regardless of the stance, the history of film censorship provides a critical perspective on the role of government and social norms in shaping the history of cinema.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the first major instance of film censorship was the editing out of brief nude scenes in Tarzan and His Mate in 1934. This event led to the implementation of the Production Code and the establishment of the MPAA. Similarly, the banning of The Sound of Music by Nazi Germany highlighted the political and social implications of film censorship. These events underscore the complex relationship between art, morality, and government control, and continue to be relevant in the ongoing debate about the regulation of entertainment mediums.