Union Depot (film) - Risque Topics

Risque Topics

Because it was produced prior to the rigid enforcement of the Production Code, the film contains many topics that would, by 1934, have jeopardized the certificate of approval needed for the film to be shown in the United States. Some of these forbidden topics include:

• Ruth reads what is implied to be off-color stories to Dr. Bernardi.
• Though Chick stops short of taking advantage of Ruth's plight, she makes it clear that she has "been around" and is willing to do whatever is necessary for the price of a train ticket. Despite this, she emerges unscathed, which was counter to the Hays Code notion that "sympathy of the audience should never be thrown to the side of the crime, wrongdoing, evil or sin".
• Chick, a thief, liar and someone who is not averse to purchasing sexual services, is also not punished, and in fact emerges as a hero.