Scott, don't you agree that double-entendres and innuendo are oftentimes more interesting and sophisticated than spelling things out in plain language? I think in some ways the Hays Code improved movies. I only dislike Post Code movies that make a point of refuting sexual activity.

The limits of the code did force filmmakers to get more creative in some ways in an attempt to slip things past the censors. But in no way would I say the Hays Code improved movies. It was censorship, pure and simple. A group of people trying to impose their limited view of morality onto everyone else. Not every movie needs to be viewable by the whole family.
You've often said Patrick, that 1939 was the pinnacle of classic Hollywood, but I'm starting to think it hit its peak 7 years earlier.