The scene where the two main characters rip eachother clothes, they show Katharine Hepburns underwear. Were they allowed to show that? How did that pass the censors? I mean they weren't even allowed to make-out in movies but they can show there underwear?
But why are you wearing *these* clothes?
Because I just went gay all of a sudden!
Complete nudity was forbidden.
http://prodcode.dhwritings.com/container.php
Complete nudity (even in silhouette), undressing scenes, indecent exposure, and costumes intended to allow suggestive movement were all prohibited by the Hays Code. http://www.classicmovies.org/articles/blhayscode.htm
I guess walking fast in your girdle and stockings was okay back then. I'm glad, because that scene is one of the few in any movie that make me laugh out loud every time I see it!
I wish Cotton was a monkey, I wish Cotton was a monkey...
I thought that scene was absolutely classic! The way David and Susan walk out so quickly, in tandem is pretty hilarious. Apparently Grant suggested this bit from personal experience!
shareFrom the 1930 production code:
DETAILS OF PLOT, EPISODE, AND TREATMENT
Costume - General principles
(4) Nudity or semi-nudity is sometimes apparently necessary for the plot. Nudity is never permitted [original italics]. Semi-nudity may be permitted under certain conditions.
In another Grant and Hepburn film 'The Philadelphia Story' it shows Hepburn un-clothing to go swimming. Of course there's no nudity but it does show her slip. I thought the Hay's Code would forbid such action. I guess they have there limits or favorties...or just plain lazy not to check the script for these Grant and Hepburn films but Im glad it happened that way :)
"I have no memories I'm prepared to share with you."- Peter O'Toole
"Were they allowed to show that?"
Well, seeing as they quite clearly showed her underwear, the obvious answer is "Yes. They were able to show that".
And, for what it's worth, there was nothing sexual about the situation. Just an embarrassing accident.
shareNowadays it's called ENF Embarrassed Nude Female. I'm glad for Hays Office loopholes, as this part of the movie when shown on PBS, assisted in my awakening to the better parts of puberty.
share