The Film Industry

Though teachers, parents, and many others have made an effort to censor media everywhere, their efforts have produced little results. Filmmakers, directors, and authors complained censorship didn't allow them to express their creativity or expand their horizons because it interfered with the rights of freedom of speech. Simply stated, censorship was just not the American way.

Movies during this time promoted sex on a global range by choosing provocative titles and hiring gorgeous women to play lead roles. Many of these movies were huge box office hits because they appealed to men and women by the use of rhetoric. The main form of rhetoric that was seen in movies was pathos. Sexy and young actresses would mesmerize audiences and appeal to them on an emotional level that kept their eyes glued to the screen.

During the 1960's, problems were stirring up in the film industry. Around 1962, the box-office lost $900 million, which was more dreadful than the amount it lost during the Great Depression. The Filmmakers and Directors decided to go for a more realistic approach than the traditional romance tales. This decision was said to be "more personal than political."
As an effect, every movie was now being rated accordingly by the Rating Administration. This way, everyone had a choice, especially parents who now felt more secure in what their children watched. The Code and Rating Administration would first review the movie, then rate it. The ratings were as follows:

1. (G) SUGGESTED FOR GENERAL AUDIENCES
This category includes motion pictures that in the opinion of the Code and rating Administration would be acceptable for all audiences, without consideration of age.

2. (M) SUGGESTED FOR MATURE AUDIENCES- ADULTS AND MATURE YOUNG PEOPLE
This category includes motion pictures that in the opinion of the Code and Rating Administration, because of their theme, content and treatment, might require more mature judgment by viewers, and about which parents should exercise their discretion.

3. (R) RESTRICTED-persons under 16 not admitted unless accompanied by parents or adult guardian.
This category includes motion pictures that in the opinion of the Code and Rating Administration, because of their theme, content or treatment, should not be presented to persons under 16 unless accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

4. (X) PERSONS UNDER 16 NOT ADMITTED
This category includes motion pictures submitted to the Code and Rating Administration which in the opinion of the Code and Rating Administration are rated (X) because of the treatment of sex, violence, crime or profanity. Pictures rated (X) do not qualify for a Code Seal. Pictures rated (X) should not be presented to persons under 16.