Question

There were several major developments in the early history of Hollywood that were decisive in shaping the nature of the films that were produced by this burgeoning industry. These included 1) Mutual v. Ohio (1915) and the subsequent development of self-censorship and internal standards of production; and 2) the introduction of sound and the vertical integration/consolidation of the film studios themselves. What were the main problems and critical issues raised by these developments with regard to the character and content of the early films (to approximately 1934) themselves? Explain.

Answer 1

The early developments of self-censorship post-Mutual v. Ohio and the introduction of sound were pivotal in shaping early Hollywood films. These changes led to restricted creative freedom due to moral self-regulation and changed the way stories were told as films included sound, affecting the film industry's content and character.

Step-by-step explanation:

Two major developments in the early history of Hollywood were transformative for the film industry: the Mutual v. Ohio case in 1915, leading to self-censorship and the introduction of sound, as well as the vertical integration of film studios. Mutual v. Ohio set a precedent for films being subject to free speech limitations which ultimately led to the creation of internal standards and practices to avoid external censorship. Conversely, the technological advancement of sound revolutionized the content and engagement of films, making them more dynamic and expressive.

However, these advancements raised critical issues. The self-regulation within Hollywood restricted creative freedom, enforcing what was deemed morally acceptable content for audiences. This limited the scope of storytelling and may have suppressed edgier, more provocative material. Furthermore, as studios vertically integrated, they gained control over production, distribution, and exhibition. This consolidation restricted competition and could stifle innovation, as the dominant studios were able to dictate both the market and the nature of the content that reached audiences.

Early films prior to approximately 1934 tended to adhere to safer, more conservative storylines and themes. This was reinforced by the implementation of the Motion Picture Production Code, or Hays Code, in the early 1930s, codifying moral guidelines for film content. In addition, the introduction of sound brought with it the challenge of transitioning from the more visual storytelling of silent films to productions that combined dialogue, sound effects, and music, creating a new cinematic language that further shaped the character and content of films.