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July 2002, Week 1

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From:
Donald Larsson <[log in to unmask]>
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Date:
Sun, 7 Jul 2002 10:58:02 -0500
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Scott Andrew Hutchins asks:

> Is there a story behind the MPAA 'R' for _Psycho_?  Didn't it pass
the (relaxed) production code?  If so, how could it have earned an R?
I do know that it received an M upon reissue--such a poster can be seen
on one of the earliest VHS releases, but again, unless it was being
shown at a grindhouse, didn't it have to pass the production code?
Perhaps since it was before _Blood Feast_ it didn't cross the line?



Are you talking about the original release or reissues?  The original
pre-dated the rating system (and is considered by some to be one of the
final nails in the old Production Code's coffin).  Jack Valenti's own
account of the change can be found at:
http://www.mpaa.org/movieratings/about/content.htm

Stephen Rebello discusses Hitchcock's go-rounds with the censors in his
book ALFRED HITCHCOCK AND THE MAKING OF PSYCHO

Don Larsson

-----------------------------------------------------------
Donald F. Larsson, English Department, AH 230
Minnesota State University
Mankato, MN  56001

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