How Has the Depiction of Violence Against Women Changed over the Years in Mainstream Films from the United States?

I should preface this post by saying this is a difficult subject; however, I believe it is an important one. I have a question for you film buffs: how has the depiction of violence against women changed over the years in mainstream films from the United States? Presumably, Hollywood has become more sensitive to the plight of women, but has this always been the case? What behaviors were deemed acceptable before that are not deemed acceptable now? Moreover, when did these shifts occur? Were certain directors ahead of the curve and others behind it? Can you think of two or three films that demonstrate this difference?

To jump start the conversation, I have selected some mainstream films from the United States that contain either instances of violence against women, or instances when violence against women is threatened. Some are open to interpretation. In these cases, I wonder how people in the past would interpret these scenes, and how we should interpret them now. Feel free to comment on one, some, all or other examples as you like.

Spoilers lie ahead.

Sunrise (1927, Murnau) - In the film, the husband’s plan to kill his wife is addressed with moral weight. The audience sees that the man has asked for forgiveness and has changed as a character. However, towards the end of the film, after the man’s wife is feared dead, he strangles his girlfriend. He is interrupted by news that his wife has survived, and the girlfriend survives as well. How should one interpret his regression and intent to kill his girlfriend? How would contemporary audiences have viewed this scene?

Gone with the Wind (1939, Fleming) - Rhett says on several occasions that he should strike Scarlett. In one occasion, he appears to rape Scarlett. I think most people from the modern lens would view this as nonconsensual sex, but Scarlett’s expression in the morning seems to insert ambiguity. How would the audience in 1939 have interpreted this scene? How should we interpret its significance today?

The Philadelphia Story (1940, Cukor) - At the beginning of the film, C.K. Dexter (Cary Grant) nearly strikes Tracy (Katherine Hepburn) in the face with a closed fist. He then stops this action and instead pushes her to the ground. It would seem that he might be an abusive husband. However, this behavior is never addressed again and they remarry at the end of the film. How would contemporary audiences have interpreted this scene?

In a Lonely Place (1950, Ray) - This film is centered on the idea of violence against women. Though innocent of accusations murder, Dixon (Humphrey Bogart) exhibits poor self-control of his anger. At the end of the film, he nearly strangles Laurel (Gloria Grahame). I believe the filmmakers offer Dixon’s behavior as emblematic of violence by men towards women. In this sense, perhaps the film may show a shift in the view of violence by men towards women. However, what do you think?

High Plains Drifter (1973, Eastwood) - In the film, The Stranger appears to rape Callie Travers. This act establishes The Stranger as a violent and hateful person. Yet, the town begs him for help and he saves the town from outlaws. How should one interpret this violence against a woman? How would people have viewed this act 50 years ago?

Feel free to share more examples that show either change, stagnation or regression in the treatment of violence against women in Hollywood.

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Edit: From the upvotes and downvotes, this post seems to have had a polarizing effect on people. If anyone could tell me why, I'd appreciate it. I want to continue to improve as a poster.