#hays-code-censorship

#hays-code-censorship

Released amid the cast-iron censorship of the Hays Code, the second big screen version of Dashiell Hammett's 1930 novel had to heavily rely on subtext. In fact, it's likely many of the Academy's more conservative or sheltered members responsible for its nominations in Best Picture, Best Adapted Screenplay, & Best Supporting Actor were entirely oblivious to its queerness.

Michael Koresky has already had a busy year. In April, the filmmaker and movie critic was promoted to senior curator of film at the Museum of the Moving Image, the prestigious institution in Queens, New York; he was previously the museum's editorial director. He still teaches college and works with the Criterion Collection, the much-beloved video label that restores and distributes important films from both the past and present.