Art of the Hollywood Backdrop

In almost every feature film of Hollywood’s golden age, from North by Northwest to Ben-Hur to The Sound of Music, painted backgrounds had the task of convincing moviegoers that what they are seein was real.  These matte paintings are at once intended to transport the audience and yet remain unseen for what they really are.

Art of the Hollywood Backdrop introduces the master scenic artists of Hollywood’s golden age through original, monumental MGM backdorps.  These artists worked anonymously, never receiving screen credit.  It is now time to recognize them for the masterful illusions they made.