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Feature: A new TCM book shares some Pre-Code classics
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FilmWeek Tile 2024
Oct 31, 2025
Listen 16:00
Feature: A new TCM book shares some Pre-Code classics

Joining us on FilmWeek to discuss some of the best films of the early 1930s, is Kim Luperi, film historian and co-author of the book Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood’s Untamed Era (1930-1934).

A male presenting person in a smoking jacket and a female presenting person in a nurse's uniform stand near each other arguing,  there are two well-dressed people slumped in chairs in the room near them.
Barbara Stanwyck and Clark Gable in Night Nurse (1931)
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Warner Bros.
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Warner Bros.
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Feature: A new TCM book shares some Pre-Code classics

Listen 16:00
Feature: A new TCM book shares some Pre-Code classics

Despite only lasting four short years from 1930 to 1934, the pre-code era of Hollywood’s Golden Age produced films that pushed the boundaries of cinema and storytelling, even by today’s standards. Hollywood classics including King Kong (1933), Freaks (1932), and Grand Hotel (1932) all came out during this time, just before the enforcement of the Production Code in 1934. Films of the pre-code era explored themes of sexuality, outlaws, racial identity, and class disparity. In a new book released in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, film historians and creators of Pre-Code.com, share their 50 must-see movies from the pre-code era. Joining us on FilmWeek to discuss some of the best films of the early 1930s, is Kim Luperi, film historian and co-author of the book Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood’s Untamed Era (1930-1934).

Kim Luperi will be at Book Soup in West Hollywood Sunday, November 2 for a book signing event. You can get more information about the event here.

Critics
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Film Critic, FilmWeek
Credits
Host, AirTalk
Associate Producer, AirTalk & FilmWeek
Apprentice News Clerk, FilmWeek