John August's screenwriting blog has a quick response to a query about the existence of a trick that script writers do to prove that they are "in." Apparently, you show yourself to be in on the joke by always putting sex and/or nudity on page 17 of a script, no matter what is going on in the scene. Sort of like a secret handshake. Then, presumably, once the script is greenlighted the sex and/or nudity can be removed if it makes no sense whatsoever.
August's reply summarized: "Ha ha. No."
But it put me in mind for a little experiment. Taking down my trusty Preston Sturges script reprint books, I look to see what is on page 17.
The Great McGinty - McGinty is illegally registering the deceased to vote.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
Christmas in July - Jimmy is arguing with Betty about getting married without having money saved up.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
The Lady Eve - Charles is meeting Col. Harrington and Jean for a game of cards.
Sex and/or nudity? - No, but Jean has just changed - we missed potential nudity by one page.
Sullivan's Travels - The studio brass are agreeing to Sullivan's plan - but with their own spin.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
Hail the Conquering Hero - The marines are trying to get Woodrow on the train.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
The Palm Beach Story - Tom is finding out from the doorman that his wife has paid off the back rent with money that she has received from "the Wienie King."
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
The Great Moment - Morton and his wife are talking about the benefits of letting others use his discovery (Morton was the Boston dentist who first used ether as an anesthetic)
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
The Miracle of Morgan's Creek - Norval gets a phone call from Trudy: She can go to the movies with him.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
Unfaithfully Yours - Sir Alfred and Tony are going over Sir Alfred's phone messages.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
The Power and the Glory - Little Henry is worried that Tom may have drowned.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
Easy Living - Mary is trying to return the fur coat that was dropped on her head.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
Remember the Night - The defense rests.
Sex and/or nudity? - No.
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