Hays, William Harrison

William Harrison Hays, American politician and motion-picture executive, was born 5 November, 1879 in Sullivan, Indiana. Hays became active in Indiana political affairs, was chairman of the Republican state committee, and served (1918–21) as chairman of the Republican National Committee. He was (1921–22) Postmaster General under President Harding. As president (1922–45) of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, he administered the motion-picture moral code (popularly called the “Hays Code”), which was promulgated (1934) by agreement of the leading men of the industry.