Exploitation cinema arose as an alternative to Hollywood cinema. While the major studios were forced to follow the Motion Picture Production Code, the exploiteers could film virtually anything they wanted, as long as they wrapped their productions in a cl

Exploitation cinema arose as an alternative to Hollywood cinema. While the major studios were forced to follow the Motion Picture Production Code, the exploiteers could film virtually anything they wanted, as long as they wrapped their productions in a cloak of moralizing. These movies typically began with scrolling text that warned the audiences about a social problem (drug addiction, prostitution, venereal disease, etc.). Or they began with a lecturer who warned the audience about the dangers of the vices depicted in the film. This framing method is one of the hallmarks of exploitation cinema. It could be used to justify showing almost anything on film – drug parties, skinny dipping, opium dens, etc. – as long as the exploiteers also feigned disgust and claimed a higher purpose.