Hollywood Uncensored (1987)

In the captivating documentary "Hollywood Uncensored" (1987), the story of how Hollywood navigated sex, exploitation, and censorship is intricately woven by narrators Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and later, Peter Fonda. The film takes viewers on an enlightening journey from the 1930s to the present day, threading through the intricate tapestry of Hollywood's complex relationship with the Hays' Motion Picture Production Code. The narrative ebbs and flows, sometimes resting for a moment, other times delving deeply, into censorship issues involving a myriad of films. From the early days of "Party Girl" (1930) and "King Kong" (1933), to the controversial "Baby Doll" (1956) and the groundbreaking "Easy Rider" (1969), the documentary offers a richly detailed examination of the evolution of decency standards in the film industry. The film features an array of never-before-seen uncensored clips and cut scenes, interspersed with engaging interviews from those who were in the thick of the movie industry during these transformative years. The story begins in 1922 with the hiring of Will Hays, whose code was initially ignored during the Depression, leading to the establishment of the Legion of Decency and the empowering of the code under Joseph Breen. This shift had a profound impact on a wide array of films, from "King Kong" to "The Little Princess." As the timeline progresses, the narrative delves into the changing standards of the 1950s with Jane Russell and others discussing the code, cleavage, and the infamous bullet bra. The controversy surrounding "Baby Doll" is examined through the lens of Baker and Wallach, while the late 1960s introduces a new classification system explored through Scorsese's experience with "Taxi Driver." "Hollywood Uncensored" then moves to inspect "Carnal Knowledge," ending with an honorable mention for Roger Corman and a video montage set to the uncredited new wave song "Call the Censor." This documentary is a vibrant exploration of Hollywood's evolving standards and the intertwined relationship between the industry and censorship, offering a unique glimpse into the past while setting the stage for the future.

Hollywood Uncensored is a documentary movie featuring Douglas Fairbanks Jr. and directed by James Forsher.

Hollywood Uncensored is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Shout! Factory TV and Tubi TV.