By: Jenny Castro
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/1/24 – “Compared to Hollywood films of the so-called Golden Era, pre-code movies are like forbidden fruit-especially when spiked with that harbinger of mischief, the cocktail.” André Darlington
Step into the world of pre-code film (1930-1934) with Author André Darlington, an era where scandal intertwines with romance and glamour on the silver screen. Darlington’s new book curated with Turner Classic Movies brilliantly titled “Forbidden Cocktails,” explores 50 films from Hollywood’s pre-code era and the alluring drinks that accentuate them. Darlington, an author of 11 other cocktail books including “TCM’s Movie Night Menus,” and “Gotham City Cocktails,” offers a sophisticated look into the provocative era of pre-code film. An era that quintessentially showcases immoral and corrupt behavior coinciding with affairs, glamorous parties, and gangsters despite the adoption of the Hays Code in 1930, a Motion Picture Production Code which contained certain censorship standards and regulations. As talking pictures became the new norm alongside The Great Depression and the already established Prohibition, the film industry began to push boundaries and focused on such themes as infidelity, violence, and sexual promiscuity.
Released in early May, “Forbidden Cocktails,” contains photos from iconic pre-code films along with eye-catching photography of luscious cocktails. Offering more knowledge into this time period, Darlington gives us insight, “What appealed to me is that this is a very complicated and fascinating time in American history where in 1929 the stock market crashed. We’re still in prohibition in 1929, and these pre-code films start in 1930 when sort of the fun is over. And yet, they show the fun of certainly the upper class that was happening in the 1920s and featured are plenty of cocktails in there”, Author André Darlington said. He adds, “But then, Prohibition ends in late 1933 so it’s a fascinating time for cocktailers because we get to see in film what people were actually drinking right at the end of Prohibition and then after. So, it’s a hugely appealing time, and so many people don’t even know there was an actual censorship.”
The films in retrospect are highly entertaining to watch, and Darlington pairs a cocktail recipe per film, offering both original and classic Prohibition-era elixirs for readers to indulge in. One of the films featured in the book titled “The Divorcee,” (1930) features actress Norma Shearer showcasing her portrayal of a determined woman who cheats on her husband in revenge for his indiscretions causing a break-up in the marriage. The storyline is a classic example of a pre-code film, and Darlington perfectly pairs a martini to coincide with the film featuring gin, dry vermouth, and Lillet Blanc with orange bitters and ice. In terms of pre-code storylines, women in particular take center stage and evolve into more progressive characters. Darlington adds, “We suddenly get women’s stories, and we get them from a sympathetic point of view and it’s really revolutionary. In 1930, when Norma Shearer walks on stage in “The Divorcee” and demands equality as a woman who has the right to vote. And she’s financially independent and wants to be sexually equal as well while her husband cheats on her. And then she balances the account by cheating on him back. This was a big deal culturally, and still is.”
Darlington also notes pre-code featured interracial relationships and queer characters at times which were forbidden per the Hays Code. “And the code came down in 1934, and you couldn’t have interracial love until after 1968. And a couple of these movies are the first non-judgmental portrayals of homosexuals on screen. That kind of stuff is buried in these early 30’s movies, which is why you have to see them,” he said.
Sometime in 1934, The Production Code began to enforce its guidelines which ended the pre-code era. After this, studios and filmmakers had to adhere to the standards of the code and were thus restricted in what they can show on screen making the films more suitable for family friendly audiences. Just a year earlier, Prohibition also ended which saw the legal return of the sale, consumption, and production of alcohol which was interestingly enough was often featured in pre-code films such as “The Public Enemy,” starring Jimmy Cagney who operates a bootlegging business.
Other films depicted in Darlington’s book along with their respective cocktail recipes include “Platinum Blonde,” (1931) featuring Jean Harlow, “Little Ceasar,” (1931), with Edward G. Robinson, “It Happened One Night,” (1934), featuring Clarke Gable and Claudette Colbert, and “Baby Face,” (1933) with Barbara Stanwyck. Find other riveting films and cocktail recipes throughout Darlington’s well-crafted and researched book. Audiences will also be quite entertained as each plot unfolds in each film as they feature elaborate fashion and sophisticated mischief. Darlington adds, “They really went all out for these movies. People are in jewelry and the sets and dialogue are incredible. I think what really gets me is that there’s character development, and it doesn’t make it any less entertaining, and you really get invested in these characters. Certainly, I think anyone who watches TCM or watches old movies in any capacity end up invested in a few of these actors and actresses. And there’s a reason why they were stars and have something to them that you personally identify with.”
Takeaways for readers? Darlington wants others to know they can easily replicate the drinks (featured) at home with simple ingredients and enjoy these timeless films at the same time. He further adds, “I think people would be surprised with a little bit of equipment you can make a cocktail at home, and you will shock yourself and be just as good as that favorite bar you go to. I also hope the book spreads the love for this era of cocktail. But then, especially spread the love for this era of film from 1930-1934.”
Visit André Darlington’s Website here.
“Forbidden Cocktails,” is available on Amazon or Hachette Book Group.
