Stag films, also known as "blue movies," were short porn films prevalent in the 1950s, frequently produced in French due to France’s role as a primary hub for such content. Originating in France in the early 20th century, the genre flourished until the 1960s, when restrictive Gaullist policies curtailed underground production. French producers pioneered many of the genre’s foundational narratives and techniques, and the term "French film" became synonymous with pornography during this era. In the 1920s, France led global production of stag films, a trend that persisted into the 1950s despite censorship. Typically lasting 10–12 minutes, these silent films were shot on 16mm film and distributed discreetly through brothels, private clubs, or mail-order channels.
