TCM presents a quartet of films from that uninhibited Depression-era period known as “pre-Code,” before the Motion Picture Production Code set up restrictions that tamed Hollywood and made its product more “respectable.” Serving as host for the films is pre-Code expert Bruce Goldstein, founder and co-president of Rialto Pictures and Director of Repertory Programming at New York’s Film Forum cinema. Goldstein, a valued friend of TCM, has produced events for all of our Festivals and cruises. He was named one of the essential people/places by Time Out New York, which cited him for “keeping showmanship alive.”
Below are the films included in our night of pre-Code programming:
Blessed Event (1932) is a comedy-drama starring Lee Tracy as a Walter Winchell-like New York gossip columnist who feuds with a singer (Dick Powell, in his film debut). Pre-Code touches include Tracy questioning Powell’s sexuality and calling him a “pansy,” and Tracy suggesting that a gangster’s pregnant girlfriend “go out into the country” to take care of her baby.
Two Seconds (1932) is a crime film starring Edward G. Robinson as a condemned murderer facing the electric chair. The title refers to the time it takes to die from electrocution once the switch is thrown. Pre-Code elements include a frank portrayal of prostitution and suggestions of homoeroticism.
Baby Face (1933) features a compelling performance by Barbara Stanwyck as a young woman from the wrong side of the tracks who literally sleeps her way to the top, moving from floor to floor seducing men in the bank building where she works. Her sexual conquests are very frankly portrayed in this key pre-Code drama.
Employees Entrance (1933) stars Warren William as the ruthless manager of a New York Department store and Loretta Young as the innocent young employee he takes advantage of. Even after Young’s character marries another man (Wallace Ford), the manager continues to exploit her. The screenplay makes it quite clear that in the early going he coerces her into sex, then later forces himself upon her while she is sleeping.
