Hays Office

Film regulation body in the USA 1922–45. Officially known as the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, it was created by the major film companies to improve the industry's image and provide internal regulation, including a strict moral code.

The office was headed by Will H Hays (1879–1954). A Production Code, listing all the subjects forbidden to films, was begun 1930 and lasted until 1966, when it was replaced by a ratings system.