The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop reveals the hidden world and creators of these masterpieces, long-guarded as a special effects secret by the major studios such as MGM, Warner Brothers, Universal, Columbia, 20th Century Fox, and Paramount. These backings are at once intended to transport the audience and yet remain unseen for what they really are. Sound of Music backdrops, Credit- JC Backings ©Nicola Goode In almost every feature film of Hollywood’s golden age, from The Wizard of Oz to North by Northwest to Cleopatra to The Sound of Music, painted backings have convinced moviegoers that what they are seeing-whether the fantastic roads of Oz, the presidents of Mount Rushmore, or ancient Egyptian kingdoms-is absolutely real. When the audience watched Cary and Eva lunch, they believed the film was shot on location, but instead, the Rushmore cafeteria existed only on a soundstage in Culver City, California.“ Although the scene looks completely real, the heads are part of a painted backing that was placed just outside the cafeteria setting. Outside the window are the famous sculptures of the presidents. Hitchcock’s North By Northwest, MGMīook excerpt: “ Toward the end of Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest, Cary Grant, James Mason, and Eva Marie Saint play a scene in the crowded cafeteria of Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Published by Regan Arts, it’s the definitive behind-the-scenes history of one of Hollywood’s most closely guarded cinematic secrets finally revealed-painted backdrops and the scenic artists who brought them to the big screen.
For those who love both movies and set design, the book is as entertaining as it is informative. Maness, has just been announced as one of the winners in the book design category by Communication Arts. This beautiful hardcover book, The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop by Richard M.
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