Jan 01 2009
Cracking the Code, Part 7
The Code stated that “the technique of murder must be presented in a way which does not inspire imitation,” and continually emphasized the importance of attempting to display dramatic criminal situations realistically without making the antagonist seem commendable.
Hays desired that no illegal activities should ever be “presented in such a way as to throw sympathy with the crime as against law and justice,” and effectively spelled out the guidelines that make that possible. He also specified that no crimes should be detailed, hoping to dissuade the young and foolish from attempting to do anything they saw in the movies.
