Censorship in Cinema: USC Film School: a Conversation with Professor Rick Jewell | Chair of the HMH Censorship in Cinema Course|

In this engaging conversation, Echo Johnson and Corinna Harney-Jones discuss the profound impact of Hugh Hefner on film preservation and censorship in cinema with Rick Jewell, a professor who had a close relationship with Hefner. They explore the historical context of censorship, the evolution of film, and the legacy of Hefner's contributions to film education and advocacy for First Amendment rights. The discussion also touches on the complexities of feminism in relation to Playboy and the creative challenges posed by censorship in the film industry. 

The USC School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) is one of the nation’s preeminent centers for the creation, study, research and development of film, television and interactive media. 

Since its founding in 1929 as the first course of study in film at any college or university in the United States, USC’s cinema program has consistently set academic and professional standards for excellence. In addition, the school has a record-breaking number of endowed chairs in the discipline; production facilities that rival industry counterparts and extraordinary faculty and staff.

 Richard B. Jewell is Hugh M. Hefner Professor of Cinema and Media Studies at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. A leading institution for film, television, and interactive media. The author of The Golden Age of Hollywood and The RKO Story, among other works, as well as coauthor of Primary Cinema Resources.  In 2008, he was named Academy Film Scholar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Named one of two 2008 Academy Film Scholars was rewarded a $25,000 grant from the Institutional Grants Committee of the Academy Foundation.

Thanks to SCA’s location in Los Angeles, students have access to the country’s leading film, television, animation and video game producers; world-class literary and talent agencies; libraries and archives brimming with research materials; and alumni that support the school and the men and women in its academic body. 

Takeaways -

Hugh Hefner significantly contributed to film preservation.

Censorship in cinema has a long and complex history.

Rick Jewell had a personal and professional relationship with Hefner.

The production code enforced in 1934 changed film content.

Censorship can destroy careers, as seen with Mae West.

Hefner was passionate about First Amendment rights.

Film education was greatly influenced by Hefner's donations.

Censorship often led to more creative filmmaking.

Hefner's legacy is multifaceted and complex.

Conversations about feminism and Playboy are ongoing and nuanced.

Chapters

• 0:00 Introduction and Excitement for New Features
• 1:42 The Influence of Hugh Hefner on Film Preservation
• 3:53 Censorship in Cinema: Historical Context
• 3:58 Rick Jewell's Journey and Relationship with Hefner
• 5:56 The Impact of Hefner's Donations on Film Education
• 8:03 Censorship and the Production Code Era
• 10:25 The Pre-Code Era and Its Significance
• 12:53 Rick's Teaching Experience and Film Passion
• 14:56 Meeting Hugh Hefner: The Beginning of a Relationship
• 15:22 The Playboy Mansion Party and Its Aftermath
• 20:39 Hefner's Impact on Education
• 22:19 Cinematic Connections: Casablanca and Hefner
• 25:55 The Legacy of Mae West and Censorship
• 31:57 Creativity Under Censorship
• 34:15 Notable Students and Their Impact
• 36:25 Hefner's Engagement with Students
• 39:39 Hefner's Dedication to Education
• 42:55 Exploring Foreign Films and Their Influence
• 45:41 The Role of Film in War Propaganda
• 47:50 Hollywood's Stance on Fascism and War
• 50:12 The Role of Cinema in the War Effort
• 51:50 Exploring PTSD in Film
• 54:18 Hugh Hefner's Engagement with Feminism
• 56:59 Hefner's Legacy and Controversies
• 1:01:39 Reflections on Hugh Hefner's Character
• 1:05:25 Gratitude and Legacy