Finding Aid for the John Detlie Set Designs PASC.032

Contributing Institution: UCLA Library Special Collections

Title: John Detlie set designs

Creator: Detlie, John S. (John Stewart)

Identifier/Call Number: PASC.032

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

Date (inclusive): 1934-1942

Physical Location: Stored off-site. All requests to access special collections material must be made in advance using the request button located on this page.

Language of Material: English .

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

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[Identification of item], John Detlie set designs (Collection PASC 332). UCLA Library Special Collections, Charles E. Young Research Library, University of California, Los Angeles.

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UCLA Catalog Record ID: 6331949 

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.

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.