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How Does the Old Film Rating System Relate to the System We Have Today

How Does the Old Film Rating System Relate to the System We Have Today?

When it comes to film rating systems, the ratings have changed over the years. In fact, film rating systems have changed quite a bit over the past 100 years or so. The earliest films were not technically “rated” but over time it would become evident that some form of a rating that would alert potential audiences as to the amount of explicit content they could expect would be contained within the film. But how does the old film rating system relate to the system we have today?

History of Early Film Ratings

Although not technically a “rating” system, early films were introduced into theaters with very little oversight. The Motion Picture Producer Distributors of America was formed in 1922 to provide some level of oversight.

In which it was initially requested that theaters reject movies that carried certain “explicit” themes, subjects or occurrences.

In such, lobbyists were instructing theaters to exclude films that included illicit trafficking of drugs, instances of white slavery, or any instance that would potentially ridicule the clergy. 

Not Rated

They were further told to “be careful” with any films that included any methods of smuggling drugs or contraband of any sort, use of the American flag, or included men and women in bed together.

These films were not rated, but they were expected not to be in theaters or if they were only in limited instances.

Motion Picture Production Code

Later, the Hays Code, also known as the Motion Picture Production Code, was introduced to theaters and filmmakers. This was a bit more of a rating system.

In fact, the code featured the assignment of ratings as follows:

  • A – which meant the film was safe.
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  • B – which means that the film was morally objectionable.
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  • C – which means the film was condemned by the Legion of Decency.

Other Ratings

The film rates of B and C were later combined into a rating of “O” which stands for morally offensive. These types of ratings would be around from the 1930s until the 1960s.

Voluntary Movie Ratings

In 1968 and up to 1970 a voluntary movie rating system was introduced. This system aimed at eliminating the Hays Code that was far too censored for First Amendment Rights.

Instead, films could voluntarily take on the following ratings:

  • G – for general audiences
  •  
  • M – for mature audiences
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  • R – for restricted audiences
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  • X – for audiences under 17 not admitted

For Example

The “M” for mature audiences would later be changed to PG which alluded to parental guidance in 1970.  

A similar rating system continues to be used today, although additions have been made including the addition of the PG-13 rating which was introduced by Steven Spielberg.

Who, in 1977, in reaction to Jaws recommended a PG-14 rating stating that some films were not technically “R” but also were not technically ideal for PG audiences either. Thus the MPAA would introduce the PG-13 rating which we still see in today’s movie ratings.

In Summation

So, how does the old film rating system relate to the system we have today? As you can see, historically film ratings have evolved.

But the overall goal has always been to alert audiences to the potential for sexually explicit content, content that includes violence, or content that addresses drug use so that they can make informed decisions about the films they watch ahead of viewing them. 

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