So this is what all the fuss was about

Whenever I read about "Pre-Code Hollywood," the movie Baby Face is mentioned. This 1933 film is emblematic of what disturbed the public about Hollywood back before ratings and censorship. So Saturday, I finally saw it. On the big screen and with my movie group.



Basically Stanwyck is a woman who approaches sex the way men do. She is appalling. So are all the men in this film. I can see why God fearing Americans were shocked and dismayed.

I'm glad I saw it. It puts the films of the early 30s into perspective for me. And John Wayne -- an actor who usually leaves me quite cold -- was actually charming in a bit role as one of Stanwyck's early, cast-off boyfriends.