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.
The Art Director (1949) is a documentary film directed by Otto Lang, released on November 12, 1949 with a runtime of 7m. It stars Dana Andrews, Ronald Colman, Joan Fontaine and Ann Harding. Viewers rate it 6.7 out of 10 across 3 ratings.
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)
Directed by Otto Lang.
Average viewer score of 6.7/10 from 3 ratings.
This is quite an interesting short feature that spotlights the creative skills of the art director. Often creating the scenario from scratch, and equipped with a considerable knowledge of the styles of halcyon days as well as an imagination for what might be yet to come, this person has to create detailed sketches from which extensive and obviously expensive sets are built. It’s an integrated position that sees…
Reviewed on July 15, 2025
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The main cast of The Art Director (1949) includes Dana Andrews, Ronald Colman, Joan Fontaine, Ann Harding and Rita Johnson. The film was directed by Otto Lang. You can see the full cast and crew list, with character names, further up this page.
The Art Director was released on November 12, 1949 and runs for 7m.
The Art Director (1949) holds an average rating of 6.7 out of 10 from 3 viewer votes, and is a good pick if you enjoy documentary films. Read the viewer reviews on this page to decide for yourself.