The Great Depression Film Code During the era of the Great Depression, cinema was considered of valuable importance to people. Cinema during this time of distress helped maintain America's national morale. During this period, Hollywood played a valuable role, inspiring more than eighty million Americans to go to the movies, but this would soon become much more difficult as America continued to live in the Great Depression. Everyone in America, even the most troubled poor families, went to the movies. Having a movie to watch, Americans sought refuge in a fantasy world. Movies at that time were a perfect distraction. Not only for the public but also for the artist who creates his work. It was hugely successful in providing access to a world different from our own, but unfortunately, due to the depression, the films were too expensive to pay for. Even the most successful Hollywood production companies were not depression-proof. Just like the local restaurant in your town, they are not immune to success and poverty. Studios began tripling their debt, and by 1933 movie attendance dropped by forty percent. The industry began cutting wages and production costs and closed the door on a third of American movie theaters. They started dropping admission prices by 25 cents. One of the most effective marketing tools, theaters began creating prizes for those in attendance. In some theaters, prizes were awarded to spectators who participated in a raffle. Banking party prizes where the winner of the lucky number went home with a cash prize. People during this time enjoyed the escapist film on offer. Additionally, the films maintained the social reality of the time. The movies were realistic from the middle of paper......function code as if depression was a thing of the past. Ratings such as NC-17, R, PG-13 and PG have become the new regulatory code for production companies. From the description of these two codes, it seems that it is only used as censorship for films. A regulatory code goes against the political and personal freedom of an artist. Whether during the Great Depression or in our time, films should not be forced to follow the rules and regulations of a code. Films are made to express the times in which we live. No matter if they are a means of accessing a world different from ours, films must function as a source of expression and fantasy. More than ever, films should be able to comfort their audiences rather than following a code. Whether in our time or during the Depression, movies should remain one of the most valuable sources of comfort and information..