Is it my imagination, or does one of the actors in this film actually flip another character the bird? I'm sure that that particular gesture existed in 1931, but it surprises me that it would have gotten past the censors.
My mind is not for rent to any god or government.
You may have been correct. Keep in mind, the Production Code and Hollywood censorship didn't come around until 1933.
When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you
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Yes, it's true. You see the same thing in the 1933 Bette Davis movie Parachute Jumper when Frank McHugh (who plays Mac McCue in The Front Page) flips off a plane that's taking off.
"That was a good movie. You should have been in that movie."
I just watched this movie this morning and I couldn't believe my eyes but there it is. To think this is still censored on television in 2007. Except on TCM.
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Yep. That's him giving the mayor the bird.
The version on TCM seems to have a few bits literally cut out of the film, but that one survives.
The film is on youtube. The scene in question is at about 50:59, just after the reporter gets off the phone while the mayor and the sheriff stand by.
The copy I watched had it, I was really surprised.
shareSpencer Tracy flips the bird in a Pre-Code comedy-drama called Looking for Trouble (1934). He's waving goodbye to someone he doesn't like, and his middle finger is very definitely extended. It's a funny bit because his grin looks so sincere.
shareIt's at the 51:45 mark in the version I'm watching.
I had to take a break from the movie to comment on this.