Era
Pre-Code Hollywood
The five years between sound and the enforcement of the Production Code, when American films were briefly allowed sex, cynicism and unpunished crime.
Four textbook cases
Not the best four — the four that define the shape. Start anywhere.

Baby Face
Alfred E. Green · 1933

Scarface
Brian De Palma · 1983

Trouble in Paradise
Ernst Lubitsch · 1932

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
Mervyn LeRoy · 1932
More in Era
Run this as a festival
Set the clock, pick the awards, and let your guild nominate. Six films over three months is the recommended shape.
Programme a festival