Will H. Hays

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Will H. Hays

Will H. Hays (November 5, 1879 – March 7, 1954) was an American politician, lawyer, and film industry executive. He is best known for his role as the first chairman of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America (MPPDA), where he established the Hays Code, a set of moral guidelines for the self-censorship of content in Hollywood cinema.

Early Life and Career[edit | edit source]

Will H. Hays was born in Sullivan, Indiana, to John T. Hays and Mary Cain Hays. He attended Wabash College, where he graduated in 1900. After completing his education, Hays pursued a career in law and became involved in local politics. He served as the chairman of the Republican National Committee from 1918 to 1921.

Political Career[edit | edit source]

Hays was a prominent figure in the Republican Party and played a significant role in the election of Warren G. Harding as President of the United States in 1920. Following Harding's victory, Hays was appointed as the United States Postmaster General, a position he held from 1921 to 1922.

Role in the Film Industry[edit | edit source]

In 1922, Hays resigned from his position as Postmaster General to become the chairman of the newly formed MPPDA, later known as the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). His primary task was to address the growing public concern over the content of motion pictures and to improve the image of the film industry.

The Hays Code[edit | edit source]

Under Hays' leadership, the MPPDA introduced the Hays Code in 1930, which outlined moral standards for films produced by Hollywood studios. The code prohibited certain content, such as nudity, drug use, and excessive violence, and aimed to ensure that films promoted moral values. The Hays Code remained in effect until it was replaced by the MPAA film rating system in 1968.

Later Life and Legacy[edit | edit source]

Hays retired from the MPPDA in 1945 but continued to be an influential figure in the film industry. He passed away on March 7, 1954, in Sullivan, Indiana. Hays' contributions to the film industry, particularly the establishment of the Hays Code, had a lasting impact on Hollywood and the content of American cinema.