Film: Design & Architecture

Bachelor Apartment (1931)

I would think the colors in this poster are not an accurate depiction.
I would think the colors in this poster are not an accurate depiction.

Yes. It’s another bachelor apartment, and the third one for me to capture stills from. I originally saw this film on Turner Classic Movies, but when I searched for a DVD to rent or buy, all I was able to find was an import from Spain that required some tricks to play on my DVD drive. After going through all this trouble, I was disappointed in the quality of this copy. I don’t remember TCM’s version being this poor, but it’s okay enough for us to make out the stunning interiors.

And the plot? It’s the same old story. There’s the womanizing playboy with his many liaisons, who meets an honest working girl and falls in love. The film stars Lowell Sherman, Irene Dunne, and a fabulous apartment. If you want to know more about the film go here, here, and here.

If it weren’t for all the crazy 45 degree angles, I would have attempted to draw up the floor plan to share with you, but I just couldn’t work out the outside entry, inside foyer, his bedroom and dressing room with all their angles. The rest of the apartment is easy to understand and sketch out.

Film: Design & Architecture

Flying Down to Rio

flying_down_to_rio_00001

This film is a 1933 RKO musical noted for the first screen pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. For some reason I remembered seeing a lot more cool sets while watching it on Turner Classic Movies, but when I rented the DVD from Netflix, the above photo was the only interesting still showing 1930’s interior design. This set does look staged, but some of the details are interesting. Built-in window seating was big in those days, and this one takes that theme to another level. Then there’s the circular rug with its fluffy edging details and the satin upholstered chaise. I think we all know how popular satin upholstery was in films those days — especially in feminine bedrooms.