Filtering out Sin: Film Adaptations During Hollywood's Production Code Years.

摘要

Dozens of books detail the history of censorship in American films either discussing a specific time period, or the rules which were put in place during the Production Code. Few books discuss the effects censorship had on film adaptations. In this thesis, I discuss how three novels were watered down to please the Production Code censors.;In my introduction, I detail the history of film adaptations and the different methods directors used to create a film from a novel. Then I will discuss the history of censorship in American films specifically during the Production Code of the 1930s through the early 1960s. Although directors tried to be true to the novel without changing too much, the Production Code would not allow certain sections in the novel to be filmed based on the censorships and not by an artistic choice which the director should control.;In chapter one, I contrast the difference in the novel and film adaptation of Anna Karenina. Key scenes that censors deleted in the film were the adultery between Anna and Vronsky and their illegitimate child. In chapter two, the novel and film adaptation of Rebecca details the death of Rebecca and how and why censors changed the climactic scene. The final chapter researches the changes in the film adaptation From Here to Eternity by focusing on the Army's treatment of their soldiers and of Alma's occupation.;I conclude by asking these questions, "Are the films better for the censoring?" and "Did they do the novel justice?" These are important questions since crucial sections and subplots were eliminated because the Production Code censors felt the changes were needed, not because they believed the changes would improve the novel's story, but to protect the American people.