The Real Inspiration And Evolution Of The Betty Boop Cartoon

Toned Down

As the 1930’s progressed, the film industry began to go through a censorship period and adopted a movie code in order to make films appropriate for all ages and the world market. Thus, the Motion Picture Production Code, better known as the Hays Code, was created. Fleischer was forced to tone down Betty Boop’s sexual characteristics, and she became a more demure career girl, but her popularity still soared. Soon after, viewers watched a few cartoons in which Betty Boop fought off the sexual advances of several male characters, which then transformed her into a feminist icon. But then, controversy arose.