As a lead in to our Pre-Code Hollywood Frolic dance and party on November 7, we offer this course to get you up to speed on this curious era of Hollywood Filmmaking with two experts on the topic.
For four years, from 1930 through 1934, Hollywood was hard to tame. Many films produced during the pre-Code era brazenly tackled an array of risque subjects, from sexual freedom to lawlessness to racial taboos. Made during the depths of the Great Depression, these movies pushed the bounds of societal and cultural norms as Hollywood studios saw their profits plummeting and were determined to lure audiences into theaters in any way possible. In this presentation, Pre-Code Essentials authors Danny Reid and Kim Luperi explore the fascinating history of the period with spotlights on some of the most provocative and shocking elements and movies of the era. The presentation will offer many suggestions of pre-code films to view, but will not include a screening of a feature film.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Kim Luperi
Kim Luperi wrote her undergraduate thesis on the censorship battle of Baby Face (1933) and never looked back. Currently, she curates the @precodedotcom Instagram account and is a freelance writer for TCM. Her first book, Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood’s Untamed Era, 1930-1934, co-written with Danny Reid, was published in October 2025 from Running Press and TCM. She lives in sunny Los Angeles with her partner.
Danny Reid
Danny Reid is a co-author of Pre-Code Essentials and has been writing about pre-Code Hollywood for over a decade. His website, pre-Code.com, has garnered over a million visitors over the last 10 years. He has written and edited books, including Thoughts on the Thin Man and Murder on Celluloid, as well as editing the Pre-Code Companion series. He lives in Colorado with his beautiful wife, adorable kids, and yappy
The talk will be followed by a book signing with the authors of Pre-Code Essentials. This is an in person event. The location is to be announced.
Thumbnail photo: OUR BLUSHING BRIDES (1930), an example of pre-code cinema that will be discussed in this presentation.
Ticket Policy:
No refunds or exchanges, but you can sell or give your ticket to someone else. Please contact us if you would like to sell your ticket. We may be able to find a buyer for you. You can also donate your ticket back to ADSLA, which gives a seat to a volunteer.