Collection consists of sketches and set stills related to the motion picture career of set designer John Detlie. The sketches include material for the projects R.U.R, Captains Courageous, and Rose Marie. Set stills include images from the projects I married an angel, Cross roads, and Panama Hattie. Additionally, there is a continuity sketch for an untitled MGM dance number and sketches of Mickey Rooney character for Live, love and learn.

John Stewart Detlie was born December 23, 1908 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He earned a BA in Science at the University of Alabama (1928) and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania (1934). He served as an artist for Warner Brothers studio from June to September 1934 and as Art Director for Metro Goldwyn Mayer from December 1934 to May 1942. In 1940, he was nominated for an Oscar for his work as production designer on the film Bitter sweet, starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. Among his film credits are Another thin man, Captains Courageous, Saratoga, A Christmas carol, Strike up the band, Andy Hardy's private secretary, A family affair, Test pilot, I married an angel, Panama Hattie, and Broadway melody of 1940. Detlie was also once married to film actress Veronica Lake. Detlie left MGM 1942 to serve in the US Army Corps of Engineers where he worked on a project where Boeing Aircraft camouflaged nearly 26 acres of the plant in Seattle, where the B-17 and, later, the B-29 were built. After leaving the service he joined the firm of Young & Richardson 1946-1956. After leaving the firm he worked independently until he formed Detlie and Peck in Seattle (1957-1960). In 1960 he joined the firm of Daniel, Mann, Johnson, & Mendenhall (1960-1974). Over his career an architect, he served on various professional and civic organizations in Washington and California. Detlie was a noted architect in Los Angeles, Baltimore and Honolulu before he retired near Palm Springs. He died of cancer on November 30, 2005 in Westlake Village, California.

113 Linear Feet (1 flat box and 6 oversize folders)

Property rights to the physical objects belong to UCLA Library Special Collections. All other rights, including copyright, are retained by the creators and their heirs. It is the responsibility of the researcher to determine who holds the copyright and pursue the copyright owner or his or her heir for permission to publish where The UC Regents do not hold the copyright.

Unprocessed collection. Material is unavailable for access. Please contact Special Collections reference (spec-coll@library.ucla.edu) for more information.