To the offices of Will H.

Hays,

Regarding your submission, we have reviewed the provided reel of your film

“Broken Blossoms”. As you know, despite being produced in the year nineteen-

nineteen (1919), the film must now adhere to the now established Motion Picture

Code provided by the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America. Your

motion picture raises a few concerns upon our viewings.

We noticed a great deal of attention focused on shopkeeper character

“Cheng Haun” and those who share a similar culture and lifestyle to him.

Specifically, attention was paid to their use of inhibiting and likely illegal drugs. In

the scenes of the underground den, illegal gambling takes place and opium use is

rampant. Considering we have sympathy for the Chinese man later in the film, we

few this as a potential violation of Motion Picture Code Article 3 under the section

“Crimes against the law”. Not only that, but if the set and wardrobe are correct

indicators, these men practice eastern religion- likely Buddhism. This paints

Buddhists in an unbelievably negative light, which would be a direct violation of

Article 1 under the section “Religion”.

Your film’s lack of adherence to Article 3 under the section “Repellent

subjects” has also caused concern. The ‘brutality’ shown toward the character

“Lucy” consists of vicious beatings from her alcoholic husband is not appropriate
to witness. His drinking also raises a concern under Article 4 of “Crimes against

the law”, but it seems to serve his character for the most part.

There are moments between Cheng and Lucy that border on sexual

inference. Cheng seems to consider engaging the young woman when he gets close

to her, but we note that he does ultimately decide against it. There are also

prostitutes portrayed in the film, thankfully not inappropriately dressed. Please

review Article 4 under the section “Sex” and ensure that no inference to perversion

is present in your film.

Please review your film and the code to understand these issues more

thoroughly. While we cannot approve your film as it stands, we await your

resubmission with the appropriate changes.

Sincerely,

Seymour Grillowski