Censored from the script.

It's hard to believe given this film feels so brutal and ahead-of-its-time, but producer Mark Hellinger considered the finished product a much watered-down version of his original vision.

This letter is from Motion Picture Academy Production Code Office member Joseph Breen to Hellinger (dated December 27, 1946):

Dear Mr. Hellinger:

We have read the script for your proposed picture Brute Force and are happy to report that the basic story seems to meet the requirements of the Production Code.

However, we wish to urge upon you the necessity of exercising all possible care in the shooting of a story of this kind, to avoid the danger of possible rejection at the hands of political censor boards. Stories of prison breaks have, in the past, met with an unfavorable reception in many territories, and we think you should be advised of this in advance.

Going through the script in detail, we call your attention to the following minor items:

Page 13: As discussed in our conference today, we understsand that you will omit all references to dope now present in the script. Specifically we call your attention to this page and also pages 18 and 55.

Page 33: At the outset, we direct your attention to the need for the greatest possible care in the selection and photographing of the costumes and dresses for your women. The Production Code makes it mandatory that the intimate parts of the body--specifically, the breasts of women--be fully covered at all times. Any compromise with this regulation will compel us to withhold approval of your picture.

Page 43: Please omit the exclamation "For God's sake."

Page 65: As discussed today, we understand you will omit this action of the guards clubbing the prisoner after he has surrendered.

Page 83: We understand that you intend to omit this action of Munsey kicking the doctor in the face.

Page 94: We understand you will omit the line "Hi octane gas."

Page 101: As discussed, this scene of the clubbing of Louie by Munsey will be done largely by suggestion, and every effort will be made to avoid any undue emphasis on brutality.

Page 102: We understand that the reaction of these guards will be one of disgust with what is going on in the other room.

Page 120: We understand that this detailed showing of men lighting the fuses with their cigarettes will be omitted entirely, or at least kept down to one scene.

Page 121: Please omit the exclamation "For God's sake."

Page 126: Here and throughout the picture, please bear in mind the clause in the Code which forbids the showing of policemen, guards, etc., dying at the hands of criminals.

You understand, of course, that our final judgement will be based upon the finished picture.

Cordially yours,
Joseph I. Breen.