Alfred Hitchcock, famously known as the master of suspense and a true provocateur of his era, possessed a remarkable ability to cleverly steer around the strict rules of Hollywood's Production Code. His ingenuity allowed him to inject daring themes and sensuality into his films, even under intense scrutiny. Here are just a few examples:
The 39 Steps (1935): Handcuffed Intimacy
In his 1935 film, The 39 Steps, Hitchcock devised a brilliant solution to circumvent the ban on unmarried couples sharing the same bed. By handcuffing the characters played by Madeleine Carroll and Robert Donat together, he not only sidestepped the rule but also conveyed a palpable sense of intimacy. This clever twist perfectly showcased his talent for building tension and romance within the constraints of the era.
Rebecca (1940): Preserving Subtlety
Rebecca (1940) presented similar obstacles. The original script hinted at a strong homoerotic undertone between Rebecca and her housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, which concerned the Production Code Administration (PCA). While Hitchcock had to tone down some of the more explicit dialogue, he artfully preserved subtle hints in the final film. Nuanced moments, such as Mrs. Danvers gently handling Rebecca’s lingerie, added richness to the characters and alluded to bold and controversial themes for that time.
Notorious (1946): The Three-Second Kiss
Another standout film, Notorious (1946), highlighted Hitchcock's impressive ability to navigate censorship. A kiss lasting no longer than 3 seconds definitely couldn't be open-mouthed. If a scene broke a rule, it had to be removed. So the well-known kissing scene between Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant was famously crafted with short intervals of dialogue. This allowed the numerous kisses to last just under the PCA's strict three-second limit. This clever editing ensured the scene retained its sensuality without facing cuts from the censors. Bergman herself reminisced about their playful approach: "We just kissed each other and talked, leaned away and kissed each other again... the censors couldn't and didn't cut the scene because we never at any one point kissed for more than three seconds... we nibbled on each other's ears, and kissed a cheek, so that it looked endless." This ingenious technique made it a truly iconic moment in cinema history.
North by Northwest (1959): Playful Jabs
In North by Northwest (1959), Hitchcock continued to test the limits of the Production Code. When Eve Kendall's cheeky line, "I never make love on an empty stomach," was deemed too risqué by the PCA, Hitchcock playfully altered it in post-production to, "I never discuss love on an empty stomach." Additionally, when the PCA insisted on a clear indication of marriage between the main characters at the film's conclusion, Hitchcock cheekily included a suggestive shot of a train entering a tunnel at the finale. This playful jab at the censors truly showcased his rebellious spirit and sharp sense of humor.
Psycho (1960): Daring Deception
Hitchcock's boldness truly reached new heights with his film Psycho (1960). The infamous shower scene attracted considerable scrutiny from the PCA. Initially, censors believed they spotted nudity, prompting Hitchcock to resubmit the footage for approval without making changes. His bold move left the censors puzzled and ultimately approved the scene as it was.
Hitchcock's brilliance was not just in skillfully avoiding censorship, but also in creating a legacy that mixed horror with psychological insight. His creative techniques opened doors for today's filmmakers, enabling them to delve into intricate themes while pushing the boundaries of film norms.
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