GRAND HOTEL

Some extraordinary set creations for this stylistically groundbreaking film

(photos by Clarence Bull courtesy of NY Museum of Modern Art)

The amazing grand foyer (above) and revolving doors (below)

     Although little known by the general public, Cedric Gibbons reigned as one of Hollywood's most respected creators while art director at MGM from 1925 until 1956.

     His earlier films set off an unprecedented decorating craze when ordinary households began copying “Hollywood modernism,” as the Gibbons touch was sometimes called.   

     His sitting rooms may have been roughly the size of train stations, but the moviegoer  started fads for some of his more accessible trademarks:  Venetian blinds, dancing figurines and indirect lighting.

     "Grand Hotel" won the Academy Award for best picture of 1932, but Cedric Gibbons was not even nominated for his extraordinary contributions.  Without them, it is hard to imagine the film having any lasting interest..

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Joan Crawford, MGM's singular idea of a down-at-the-heels stenographer!

“Here the sets take the place of an actor in the story. The Grand Hotel is bigger than the people who come through its doors.” --Cedric Gibbons