Results: Lessons from the '30s

The impact of the 1930s on obscenity in literature comes mostly from the Ulysses case. In both its initial clearing and subsequent upholding on appeal, the case set substantial precedent for publishers and writers, showing them that works would be held on their intent as both literary projects and whole entities (rather than parts) and on their ability to act as an aphrodisiac to the reasonable man. This allowed for a greater relaxation on obscenity standards: “It seems, therefore, that the Ulysses decisions of 1933 and 1934 were beginning to have a somewhat liberating effect by 1936” (Lewis 139).

The Motion Picture Production Code of 1930, though not strictly enforced until 1934, maintained hold on the industry until it adopted its letter ratings system in the mid-1960s. Still, the industry maintained a spirit of self-censorship in the interest of warding off government interference.

Radio and art also fought for the right to express without interference. Each was successful in some way. The various forms of entertainment media certainly felt the effects of each other's fights, and at times alluded to their status as art in order to sway skeptics.