Occupying a tiny sliver of film history, the “Pre-Code era” refers to that notorious period in Hollywood from the late 1920s until 1934, when “talkies” became the norm and the restrictions of the Hays Code were not yet enforced. Stars’ bodies – and appetites – were thinly veiled; cheating spouses, alcoholic friends and unpunished criminal activity were not uncommon. Progressive politics sneaked past the censors: stories of the working class were front-and-center, while woman screenwriters crafted strong female characters who lived and loved without judgment. Sometimes depicting salacious decadence, other times showing people scraping by as best they can, these films were celebrated for their snappy dialogue and iconic performances.

For this monthly series, co-hosts Caroline Golum and Cristina Cacioppo will present 35mm prints with live introductions that highlight catchphrases from each film worth putting into rotation, fawn over garments and glassware, and contemplate how these films might be remade today.