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.
A book signing will follow the presentation. Then join us at 5:30 PM for no-host cocktails and tapas at El Cid (4212 Sunset Blvd.). We suggest some vintage shopping if you have time to kill after the lecture, before cocktails. Vintage on Hollywood, Starday Vintage, Replay Vintage Clothing and Squaresville are all in the local area as well as an array of other unique book, music and novelty shops.
The presentation will offer many suggestions of pre-code films to view, but will not include a screening of a feature film.
The Philosophical Research Society bookstore will be open for browsing.
TICKETS:
$22 Art Deco Society of Los Angeles members (plus fees)
$26 General Admission (plus fees)
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.
About the Philosophical Research Society
The philosophical research society is a Los Angeles-based, 501(c)(3), nonprofit cultural institution founded in 1934 by scholar and prolific author Manly Palmer Hall as a repository of multicultural wisdom sources and a center of learning with a unique library containing over 30,000 rare volumes. Its historic landmark buildings are open to the general public and present seminars, classes and concerts on philosophy, mythology, mysticism, and the humanities.
The Mayan revival and modern style campus was designed by architect Robert Stacy-Judd who was also the architect for the Aztec Hotel in Monrovia. The campus was enhanced in 1959 with an auditorium and other additions. The building was declared a Historic Cultural Monument (#592) in 1994.
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.
Animal Policy:
PRS allows Service Animals into the facility under ADA and state guidelines. For further details please visit www.ADA.gov. No animals permitted whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support, under ADA guidelines and CA Health Code.