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.

Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

Despite only lasting four short years from 1930 to 1934, the pre-code era of Hollywood&rsquo;s Golden Age produced films that pushed the boundaries of cinema and storytelling, even by today&rsquo;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 <a href="http://pre-code.com">Pre-Code.com</a>, 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 <a href="https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kim-luperi/pre-code-essentials/9798894140575/?lens=running-press">Pre-Code Essentials: Must-See Cinema from Hollywood&rsquo;s Untamed Era (1930-1934)</a>.
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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 <a href="https://booksoup.com/event/2025-11-02/kim-luperi-discusses-signs-pre-code-essentials-must-see-cinema-hollywoods-untamed">here</a>.
Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!

FilmWeek on AirTalk, hosted by Larry Mantle, is a one-hour weekly segment devoted to films. It offers reviews of the week's new movies, interviews with filmmakers, and discussions on various aspects of the industry.

Reviews of the week's new movies, interviews with filmmakers, and discussion.