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Old Hollywood films had to follow strict guidelines throughout the 1930s and 1960s known as Hayes Code. This essentially prevented all American films from being featured by something that was overtly sexual or “inappropriate,” and forced many filmmakers to be creative about how they could navigate potential censorship. I’m running a list in all the characters boxd Old Hollywood and LGBTQ+ Since it’s the movie I’m watching, I sift through them and found a bunch of suuuuuper gays subtly (not so subtle) from the Haze Code era. These are some of my favorites. enjoy!1.
Rebels with no cause (1955) You really can’t demand more as James Dean stars as a bisexual hottie. The original script included his character kissing Plato, one of the first gay teen characters on screen, but Hayes’ code quickly crushed it. Still, the film is edgy, dramatic and romantic, and it’s a lot of fun to watch the entire cast.2.
Everything about Eve (1950) is a witty, toxic drama about an elderly actress who ultimately becomes friends with fans who try to take her away. The film shares the most Oscar nomination record to date in 14, with Marilyn Monroe temporarily covering her first roles. There are so many strange undertones and characters throughout, and they are all very tasty. Also, I personally think this is the best movie ever made, so I’d basically ask you to watch it.3.
murder (1961) was made towards the end of the Haze Code, pushing the boundaries of what was allowed. When the big twist in this horror thriller becomes clear, I will see if nothing is ruined for you now. Know that the film was considered scary enough to literally include the 45-second “Horror Break” that appeared on screen before the climax.4.
Tea and sympathy (1956) follows a “sensitivity” prep school teen who is being bullied by other students and teachers. He finds comfort in an older woman played by Deborah Kerr. And the whole thing is very beautiful.5.
Forced (1959) is followed by two hot guys, secretly, oddly, strange college boys who commit murder and think they are too clever to escape. Trust me about this as it is loosely based on the real-life Leopold and Roeb murder trials.6.
rope (1948) is an adaptation of the play, inspired by Alfred Hitchcock’s Leopold and the Loeb murder trial. This focuses on two young (and strange) murderers who hold a dinner party after hiding their bodies in their apartment. The film was filmed to make it appear to have been shot in one take.7.
The edge of the city (1957) is a gritty drama about the friendship between John Cassabethes and Sidney Poitier characters. It’s rough and tough, with lots of weird subtext. Ruby Dee also appears in the film, and she is particularly amazing.8.
Children’s time (1961) stars Audrey Hepburn and Shirley McClain as two women running a boarding school for girls in New England in the 1930s. One of the students is a little b*tch of trouble that all hell unleashes, beginning with rumors that they are in a lesbian relationship. The film is based on the famous play of Lillian Hermann of the same name, and is a must-see.9.
Purple noon (1960) has actually been adopted from books Ripley is the talented. This French movie is so funny and hot. If you’re interested in suspense dramas, if you like the 1999 version with Jude Law and Matt Damon remotely, you definitely need to check this out.10.
stranger on the train (1951) is Alfred Hitchcock’s psychological thriller. Both want to kill someone, it is two strangers, so they trade victims to ensure that someone doesn’t have any doubts. It’s a very fun watch, Farley Granger is so handsome, he exhale a bit.11.
Suddenly last summer (1959) centers on a wealthy widow who lobotomies her nie and tries to hide the truth about her strange (and now deceased) son. This is a bit, but it does, as both Catherine Hepburn and Elizabeth Taylor received the highest Oscar nominations for their roles.12.
Hitchhiker (1953) is a friend of two males who are basically taken hostage after picking up a hitchhiker on their way on a fishing trip. The film is based on the 1950 murder of Billy Cook and examines the roles of homosexual panic, masculinity and traditional gender.13.
Servant (1963) dealing with implicit desires, homosexual tensions, and the ultimate Dom-Sub Power Dynamic. Among them, a wealthy young Londoner hires a man to become his servant. The servant slowly takes control and operates his “master”, which is the wildddddd vehicle.14.
Victim (1961) focuses on London closet lawyers who were threatened for being gay, which was illegal in the UK until 1967. This is a groundbreaking part of cinema history, as it was the first British film to explicitly mention homosexuality.15.
Advice and agree (1962) is a political drama adapted from a Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name. It focuses on confirming candidates for Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is a married US senator who happens to be blackmailed for having past relationships with a man.16.
I can’t forget (1963) is an innovative horror film that is one of the only lesbian characters of a feminine and non-predatory era. This film is based on a book I can’t forget Hill Houseand has finally turned into a very popular Netflix series, so if you like either, you should watch this too.17.
Finally, Rebecca (1940) is the only Alfred Hitchcock film to win the best photo at the Oscars. It features Mrs. Danvers, one of Old Hollywood’s most famous ~coded~ queer characters. Throughout the film, her obsession with Rebecca has become increasingly prevalent, but under Hayes’ code, her oddity had to be implied rather than fully stated.Looking for more LGBTQ+ content? Check out all of BuzzFeed’s PRIDE 2025 posts here!
