65 Classic Pre-Code Films

Just before the opening of the final performance of Earl Carroll's *Vanities*, someone tries to harm the leading lady, Ann Ware, who wants to marry the leading man, Eric Lander. Stage manager Jack Ellery asks his friend, policeman Bill Murdock,…

Vicki Wallace enjoys playfully teasing her husband, Tony, who dislikes it. Their lighthearted banter escalates when he slaps her. Vicki then seeks a divorce with the help of her friend and lawyer, Vernon Thorpe, and they quickly marry. However, Vicki's…

Wealthy investors gather at a luxurious Chinese hotel for a chance to purchase a revolutionary radioscope. However, the hotel's medical staff consists of Burns and Allen, and a measles outbreak forces a complete quarantine. Adding to the chaos, a flamboyant…

During the Great Depression, a group of unemployed Broadway showgirls find renewed hope when they are offered a chance to star in a new musical. With major productions closing down, Carol, Trixie, and Polly, despite facing opposition from one of…

Set in 1920s Chicago, this crime drama follows Tom Powers and Matt Doyle as they rise through the city's criminal ranks, starting with petty theft and bootlegging. Their growing wealth and reputation draw the attention of both rival gangs and…

"Ancient Discoveries," a History Channel series that began in December 2003, explores the possibility that many modern inventions have roots in ancient technologies. The show suggests some advancements may have been lost, rediscovered, and redeveloped throughout history, rather than solely…

A young doctor discovers his father is a fraudulent medical practitioner and makes a drastic decision: he swaps lives with a struggling, unemployed man.

Following a car accident in Hungary, newlyweds Joan and Peter, along with the mysterious Dr. Werdegast, seek shelter at the home of renowned architect Hjalmar Poelzig. Poelzig harbors a troubled history with the doctor.

A young architect's promising life is destroyed by the aftermath of World War I. Economic hardship forces him to abandon his ambitions for a less fulfilling job. His hopes dwindle when he's wrongly convicted of a crime and sent to…

In a story set in elegant French aristocracy, a Parisian tailor travels to a grand château to collect a long-awaited payment, driven by a personal desire. He finds himself captivated by a beautiful yet distant young princess who resides there.…

This moving drama follows a mother and daughter seeking comfort when they invite a housekeeper and her daughter into their lives. As the two families adjust to sharing a home, they develop an unexpected friendship that blossoms into a successful…

Seasoned explorer Harry Holt and his friend Martin Arlington embark on a challenging ivory expedition deep in Africa. Their journey takes them across vast landscapes, testing their strength and resourcefulness. The film showcases the beauty and dangers of the African…

In a society where relationships determine your future, a determined but fragile young woman discovers how to use attraction to climb the social ladder. As she gains power, she starts to wonder if achieving success through fleeting connections will ever…

During World War I, a British Army patrol journeys through the Mesopotamian desert. Their commanding officer, the only one aware of their destination, is shot and killed by bandits. The patrol's sergeant continues north, believing they're on track to join…

Set in 1930s Berlin, this intense German thriller follows the city's descent into fear as a serial killer targets children. Hans Beckert, chillingly portrayed, begins a violent series of attacks, prompting the police and criminal world to desperately hunt him.…

During a voyage across the Atlantic on a luxurious ocean liner, a mysterious woman dealing with a terminal illness and a charismatic convict facing execution are unknowingly sharing a cabin. They develop an unexpected connection as they support each other…

A devoted wife's life is shattered when she discovers her husband's infidelity. Instead of giving in to despair, she decides to take a daring path to get even. The story explores themes of trust, betrayal, and the complexities of relationships…

During the depths of the Depression, a career politician unexpectedly becomes President. A life-altering accident then transforms him from a compromised figure into an honest and principled leader.

A young couple battling financial hardship hides their marriage to protect the husband's employment. His boss has a prejudice against married employees, forcing them to conceal their relationship.

Cassie Barnes leaves her small town for New York City in search of work. There, she and her friends Dot and Gladys encounter romantic complications.

A man and woman, both hesitant about love, unexpectedly find themselves falling for each other and eventually marry. Their relationship is complicated by past hurts and a lack of faith in romantic connections. The film follows their struggle to build…

Kurt Anderson, the ruthless manager of a struggling New York department store, disregards employee loyalty and pursues casual relationships. He hires Madeline, a young woman seeking work, after they spend a night together. Madeline is deeply ashamed, especially as she…

A young woman's life is shattered when she's caught in the dangerous world of organized crime after being held captive at a bootleggers' hideout. Forced into a terrifying situation, she endures a brutal sexual assault that deeply scars her. The…

Dirigible commander Jack Braden and Navy pilot "Frisky" Pierce compete for recognition after a journey to the South Pole, as well as for the affection of Frisky's wife, Helen. When Braden's dirigible mission fails, Frisky attempts a flight, but crashes,…

In a city increasingly plagued by aggression and corruption, a group of independent taxi drivers rally behind the determined Matt Nolan. They're fighting to protect fair competition from a powerful and ruthless rival. As the conflict intensifies, Nolan struggles to…

A sharp-witted woman uses lies to manipulate a persistent private investigator. The case centers on a small, enigmatic statuette called the Maltese Falcon. As the detective investigates the artifact's history, he uncovers a complicated network of hidden motives and dangerous…

This urban story follows two lonely people who meet unexpectedly at an amusement park. Drawn to the excitement of the rides and the sounds of laughter, they spend a memorable day together and form a quick connection. However, they get…

Chicago, 1920s. Antonio "Tony" Camonte, known as Scarface, is an Italian immigrant and a ruthless gangster who climbs the ranks of organized crime while trying to shield his sister from the dangerous world he inhabits.

A former star football player, now a steel mill supervisor in New Jersey, develops a relationship with the privileged and entitled daughter of the mill owner.

Two barbers, Willy Nilly and Hercules Glub, open a shop on an Indian reservation with no customers. A white man seeking a shave brings a group of Oopadoop Indians, who, overhearing the barbers' talk about foreign debts, enlist them as…

A young man meets a woman with a cold exterior and a hidden complexity. He is drawn to her despite her aloofness, wanting to understand the person beneath the surface. Their connection grows, leading them into a risky relationship filled…

Following a fight on their 25th wedding anniversary, Joe and Aggie Bruno decide to divorce and head to Reno. Their daughters, Prudence and Pansy, follow, hoping to reconcile their parents. Unbeknownst to them, Joe and Aggie inadvertently become clients at…

Set in Brazil's lively music scene, the film follows a gifted but quiet dance band leader as he experiences a life-changing journey involving love and career success. Amidst samba rhythms and exciting performances, he finds a renewed passion for his…

The wife of a plantation owner stands accused of shooting a man during an alleged attack. However, a handwritten letter surfaces, suggesting a different story altogether.

A gifted trapeze artist becomes involved with the mysterious ringmaster of a unique traveling show when she agrees to marry him for financial reasons. While attracted by the prospect of wealth from his inheritance, she's unsure of her feelings as…

The film centers on an American missionary woman taken captive by a refined and charismatic warlord in 1930s Shanghai. Adapting to her unusual circumstances, the warlord’s sophisticated presence gradually blurs the lines between captor and prisoner. Their connection deepens through…

Tom Holmes, a World War I veteran, carries the lasting scars of his combat injuries. As time passes, he confronts not only the agony of hardship but also a growing capacity for empathy and affection towards others.

Lil is a woman who skillfully manipulates people to advance her own interests. At the Legendre Company, she orchestrates events that lead to Bill divorcing his wife, Irene, and marrying her, boosting her power within the company. But Lil desires…

In the North African city of Mogador, a group of Foreign Legion soldiers arrive seeking escape. Among them is Amy Jolly, a singer building a reputation at Lo Tinto's cabaret after leaving Paris. Tom Brown, a legionnaire known for his…

During a period of political unrest and religious persecution, the film tells the story of two elderly Christians living under Emperor Nero's oppressive rule. To deflect blame for his actions, Nero issues an edict declaring war on Christianity, ordering all…

Tira, a celebrated dancer and lion tamer, uses her captivating performances to overcome financial hardship. She performs a dangerous stunt at her circus – placing her head inside a lion's mouth – which leads the troupe to New York City.…

This film tells the story of a strong, independent woman torn between two men who both want her. She struggles to understand her feelings and discover what she truly wants. As the competition between the two men intensifies, she questions…

Alison Drake is a driven executive who thrives in the male-dominated world of auto manufacturing. Her professional life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters a free-spirited design engineer.

Following her father's death, Nancy Courtney, a former socialite, has struggled to keep up appearances. She is in love with writer DeWitt Taylor, who doesn't care about wealth, but her mother pushes her to marry stockbroker Norman Cravath. Nancy agrees,…

Set in early 1900s Vienna, the film centers on a charismatic con artist who infiltrates high society. He becomes involved with the wife of a powerful baron, leading to a passionate and scandalous affair. At the same time, the thief…

A charming socialite develops feelings for a serious colleague at her father's law firm. However, she also has to deal with unwanted attention from a wealthy man and his sister who are both after her.

Vivian Revere seems to have it all: wealth, influence, and the respect of her colleagues. Yet, despite reuniting with two former classmates, Vivian descends into a life of luxury and drug addiction, seemingly unaware of the repercussions. The film follows…

After being left by her lover, a woman takes on a prominent role as the main performer in a lavish nightclub. She hopes to leave her history behind when she boards a steamer bound for Mandalay.

A young prince attempts to find a romantic partner to ensure his kingdom's stability. He identifies a wealthy widow as a potential match, not out of love, but to secure her considerable wealth within his realm. The film explores themes…

The film centers on an aging German performer who returns to cabaret as the glamorous Blonde Venus to fund life-saving medical care for her husband. Her captivating performances draw the attention of a powerful politician, leading to a complicated relationship…

A newspaper owner obsessed with attracting readers pressures his editor to create a fictional story based on an old, unsolved murder. This decision unexpectedly haunts a woman connected to the original crime. As the story progresses in the newspaper, it…

At an all-girls boarding school, a shy teenager experiences the complexities of growing up and falling in love. While receiving guidance from a teacher, her world opens up to new possibilities, but also exposes the dangers of their relationship. This…

A fiery Texan woman, quick to anger and full of life, navigates the world with a determined spirit. But when her fortunes change, she's confronted with the consequences of her actions and must ultimately re-evaluate her approach to life.

A woman stands accused of murder, and the trial tests the limits of the justice system. One juror is convinced of her innocence and, determined to find the truth, begins his own investigation. He uncovers a complex web of clues…

On a rubber plantation in Cochinchina, Dennis's life changes when Vantine, a woman hiding from her past in Saigon, enters his world. Dennis becomes drawn to a new surveyor and his wife, adding complexity to his relationships. The film explores…

Lora Hart's career takes a turn when she begins working as a trainee nurse in a hospital where hidden dangers lurk beneath the surface. The film explores the intense pressures of healthcare through Lora’s eyes as she cares for two…

In a world of uncertainty, Gaston Monescu and Lily are skilled thieves who form an unexpected partnership. They are hired by Mariette Colet, a wealthy perfume executive, but their professional relationship evolves into a daring plan: to rob their employer.…

Police Chief Jim Fitzpatrick is hunting gangster Sam Belmonte. He enlists his police detective brother Ed to keep an eye on Daisy, who has ties to Belmonte, but their efforts take an unexpected turn.

Experienced hunter Bob Rainsford is shipwrecked on a remote island and encounters the mysterious Count Zaroff. Initially welcomed as a guest, Rainsford soon discovers Zaroff's dangerous game: he hunts Rainsford and two other shipwreck survivors, siblings Eve and Martin Towbridge,…

Dr. Henry Jekyll, a scientist and thinker, explores the conflict between good and evil within people. Seeking freedom from social rules, he conducts an experiment with chemicals that could split these aspects in a person. He succeeds in transforming into…

Amanda and Elyot were once married to each other. Elyot is now married to Sibyl, and Amanda is married to Victor. While on their honeymoons, the two couples unexpectedly arrive at the same hotel and are assigned rooms with connecting…

A determined scientist obsessively seeks to advance human evolution through unsettling experiments. His research leads to the creation of frightening hybrid creatures, neither fully human nor animal. Consumed by his creation, the scientist declares himself their god-like master, wielding power…

Gilda finds refuge on a secluded Caribbean island, hoping to escape her troubled history in New Orleans' legal system. She soon discovers that her peaceful haven is actually a sanctuary for dangerous criminals fleeing justice. Surrounded by the criminal underworld,…

The film centers on Immanuel Rath, a reserved professor who becomes curious when he notices his students are fascinated by cabaret dancer Lola Lola. He goes to The Blue Angel nightclub to find them and is drawn to Lola Lola's…

Amidst economic collapse, the nation of Freedonia installs a new leader: Rufus T. Firefly. As president and dictator, he proposes a daring solution to revive the country: declaring war on Sylvania, their neighboring rival. The spark for this conflict is…