Top 10 Iconic Queer-Coded Classic Hollywood Movie Moments

Top 10 Iconic Queer Coded Moments in Classic Hollywood

Welcome to MsMojo, and today were looking at queer-coded moments from classic movies that tiptoed around censorship, whether it was the filmmakers intent or not.

This 1953 musical helped solidify Marilyn Monroe as a screen icon, although co-star Jane Russell doesnt get nearly as much attention as she deserves. To a degree, this is reflected in Russells number, Aint There Anyone Here for Love. On a voyage, Russells Dorothy Shaw is engrossed by a male Olympic team. Wearing nothing but tight shorts, the musclebound athletes barely notice Dorothy, even as she practically throws herself at them. One might argue that the men are too fixated on training to concentrate on anything or anyone else. Reading between the lines, though, it could be that the guys arent interested in what Dorothy is selling. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend did a parody of Gentlemen Prefer Blondes with one particular lyric summing this scene up.

Bride of Frankenstein (1935)

Director James Whale was openly gay when homophobia was rampantly embedded in society. Some interpret 1935s Bride of Frankenstein as an allegory for Whales personal life. Where society views the Monster as well, a monster, Whale paints him in a tragically misunderstood light. Among the few to show the Monster kindness is a male hermit, with whom he briefly lives. Once theyre discovered, the Monster is hunted again. The Monster believes finding a woman will finally make him happy. When his Bride rejects him, though, it becomes clear that just because theyre both monsters doesnt make them compatible. Even in Universal horror movies that Whale didnt direct like the following years Draculas Daughter, theres plenty of queer subtext to sink your teeth into.

Crossdressing is a major theme in Calamity Jane, a musical loosely inspired by a real-life frontierswoman. When Calamity arrives in town, she gets raised eyebrows and a wink from another woman. Looking to recruit a singer, Calamity creeps up on the scantily-clad Katie in a dressing room. Calamity gets too close for comfort with Katie, who mistakes her for a man. Despite this awkward meeting, Calamity welcomes Katie into her home, where they sing about a womans touch. Although they ultimately marry male partners, Calamity and Katie are recognized as lesbian icons. Some like to think the song Secret Love is truly about Calamitys feelings for Katie, rather than Wild Bill. When Actress Doris Day learned about the perceived subtext, she described it as wonderful.

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

This trailblazing teen drama challenged traditional values. While the generation gap was apparent to audiences in 1955, many missed its unspoken queer themes. The attraction between James Deans Jim and Natalie Woods Judy is obvious, but Jim also seemingly has eyes for Sal Mineos Plato. Whether or not Jim is bisexual, as some believe, Mineo called Plato the first gay teenager in films. This is evidenced in Platos locker, where he has a photo of actor Alan Ladd. Plato longs to pull Jim into his orbit. Even among his fellow outcasts, though, Plato feels he doesnt belong. Although Platos fate ties into the dreaded bury your gays trope, this was still among the earliest American films to depict a gay character with empathy and complexities.

Rope (1948)

Queer-coded villains were especially common in the works of Alfred Hitchcock. In 1940s Rebecca, its strongly implied that housekeeper Mrs. Danvers viewed the titular character as more than an employer. Then theres 1948s Rope, which centers on two partners in crime and possibly romantic partners. When Brandon and Phillip murder an old classmate, they hide the body in plain sight during a dinner party. If their innuendos are any indication, a dead body isnt the only thing Brandon and Phillip are covering up. According to Farley Granger, who played Phillip, it might not have been discussed on set, but everyone supposedly knew the characters were gay. Notably, the story was inspired by the crimes of Leopold and Loeb, who allegedly shared a sexual relationship.

Charlton Heston was the definition of conservative. While he strongly supported civil rights, his views of the LGBTQIA+ community were complicated. Although he described some queer artists as talented, Heston also allegedly made homophobic statements. Ironically, Hestons most famous role, Judah Ben-Hur, contained gay subtext he was blissfully unaware of while filming. Gore Vidal, who worked on the 1959 epics script, suggested that Ben-Hur and his childhood friend turned adversary, Messala, shared an even deeper connection during their youth. In Vidals eyes, Messala wants to pick up where they left off, but Ben-Hur doesnt reciprocate, which is truly at the root of their falling out. Although actor Stephen Boyd and director William Wyler were made aware of the subtext, Heston was kept in the dark.

Wings (1927)

This pre-Code silent film would go down as the first Best Picture winner at the Academy Awards. Thats not the only reason Wings has a special place in the history books. In one of the most emotional scenes, protagonist Jack Powell comforts his dying rival-turned-friend, David Armstrong. Although Jack blames himself for this tragic turn of events, David forgives him shortly before taking his dying breath. Jack, meanwhile, affirms their friendship with a kiss on Daves cheek. This wasnt the first same-sex kiss in cinema. Five years earlier, two women could be spotted smooching in Cecil B. DeMilles Manslaughter. We could go back even further, but Wings stands out with Jack and Davids dynamic being one of the storys most integral.

Morocco (1930)

From one pre-Code kiss to another, this 1930 love story revolves around Marlene Dietrichs Amy and Gary Coopers Tom. Of course, Morocco is better remembered for Amys flirtation with a woman in the crowd. A nightclub performer, Amy doesnt take to the stage in a dress, but rather, a top hat and tuxedo. Believe it or not, Dietrichs wardrobe was considered controversial at the time, although not as scandalous as the kiss Amy plants on the lips of a female audience member. While the exchange is more playful than romantic, its still one that many LGBTQIA+ viewers gravitate toward, even nearly 100 years later. You can also see how Dietrichs performance likely influenced the character Lady Fay Zhu in 2022s Babylon.

In the 1909 book, The Road to Oz, the fairy Polychrome says, You have some queer friends, Dorothy. She replies, The queerness doesnt matter, so long as theyre friends, introducing the Cowardly Lion. While the word queer has multiple meanings, you can see why the gay community has embraced the 1939 film adaptation. The Wizard of Oz even inspired the phrase, friend of Dorothy, which is code for a gay male. Of all the characters over the rainbow, the Lion may contain the most queer subtext. To survive the forest, the Lion exhibits toxic masculinity, although inside, he identifies as a sissy and dandy lion. The Lion ultimately finds the courage to face his biggest fear: being himself in the Merry Old Land of Oz.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

With the Hays Code on the verge of retirement, this 1959 comedy could be seen as a coming out party of sorts. To evade the mob, Joe and Jerry disguise themselves as women. Jerry - or Daphne - catches the eye of the wealthy Osgood Fielding III. Although Jerry is initially apprehensive, he warms up to the idea of marrying a millionaire. Jerry genuinely gets into character, dressing as Daphne even when nobodys around and expressing excitement about his nuptials. Yeah, hes mainly in it for the money, but you also get the sense that Jerry enjoys being Daphne. Jerry eventually comes clean to his fiancé, although Osgood doesnt view this revelation as an issue, leading to one of the most iconic closing lines in cinema.

What are some other classic examples of queer-coded cinema? Let us know in the comments.