Feature: New book details Hollywood’s “Gay Golden Age” during the Hays Code, Lavender Scare
Although the Hays Code and Lavender Scare served as a deterrent to queer representation in cinema, many filmmakers still found ways to include queer themes into their works. In his new book Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness , film historian Michael Koresky collects examples of these early queer projects and helps provide context to their development. Detailing the use of queer innuendos and development of Hays-code approved stereotypes, the book shares how films like The Children’s Hour and Rebecca served as some of the earliest examples of LGBTQ-themed cinema. Joining us to discuss their book, early films with queer themes and the filmmakers behind them, is Michael Koresky , author of the new book Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness .
‘Sick and Dirty: Hollywood’s Gay Golden Age and the Making of Modern Queerness’ is out now, click here for more information.