Pre-Code crime films

Pre-code crime films are movies made before a set of rules (called codes) were introduced to regulate what kind of content appeared on the big screen. The codes restricted violence, crime, and sex, which made movies less dangerous and more appropriate for audiences. Pre-code crime films often featured characters who committed crimes and the stories often had dark and thrilling plots. So, pre-code crime films are movies made before those rules were in place that show characters doing bad things like stealing or killing, and the stories are not always happy and have some risks.