B-film (B-movie, B-picture)

B-films are off-beat, low-budget movies that generally come from independent producers. B-films have become to be defined by campy acting, catchy titles, and low-grade special effects. They were predominant from the 1920s to the late 1940s and were shot quickly with little-known, second rate actors, short run times, and low production values. Often the second film (or the "lower half") of a double-feature and paired with an A-feature. Sometimes B-films were exclusively shown in a grindhouse, especially in the 50s and 1960s. As code restrictions waned in the late 60s, B-films often became exploitation films, adding sensational and catchy titles, campy acting, cheesy special effects, and gratuitous violence and sexuality (nudity). Not to be confused with cult films, although some B-films attained cult status.