A film's art director is in charge of the set, from conception to construction to furnishing. This short film walks the viewer through art directors' responsibilities and the demands on their talents. They read a script carefully and design a set to capture the time and place, the social strata, and the mood. They must be scholars of the history of architecture, furnishings, and fashion. They choose the colors on a set in anticipation of the lighting and the mood. Their work also sets styles, from Art Deco in the 20's to 30s modernism. Then it's on to the next project. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2012.
Dana Andrews
as Self (archive footage) (uncredited)
Ronald Colman
as Self - from 'Late George Apley' (archive footage) (uncredited)
Joan Fontaine
as Self / Jane Eyre (archive footage) (uncredited)
Ann Harding
as Self - from unidentified film (archive footage) (uncredited)
Rita Johnson
as Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)
Charles Laughton
as Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)
George Macready
as Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)
Dorothy McGuire
as Self / Kathy Lacy (archive footage) (uncredited)
Ray Milland
as Self - from 'The Big Clock' (archive footage) (uncredited)
Gregory Peck
as Self - Philip Schuyler Green (archive footage) (uncredited)
Jack Stoney
as Self - from unidentified film (archive footage) (uncredited)
