How Did Morals Clauses Come About?

In 1921, the Universal Studios actor Fatty Arbuckle was arrested on the accusations of rape and murder. After much unwanted public and media attention on the incident, Universal Studios began a morals clause to contracts.

When Hollywood had a studio system for the movie industry, most of the major talent was under long-term contracts. Generally these contracts lasted seven years because these were high-potential actors that the studios were planning on taking the time to nurture into major talent.

photo shot at Aro Ha