MGM Style: Cedric Gibbons and the Art of the Golden Age of Hollywood

I had the pleasure to receive my copy of "MGM Style: Cedric Gibbons and the Art of the Golden Age of Hollywood" by Howard Gutner this week. As a fan of Gutner's previous book "Gowns by Adrian," on the costume designer Adrian (who worked closely with art director Gibbons on so many films), I was eager to learn about this vitally important force in Hollywood. Who could imagine "The Wizard of Oz," "Meet Me in St. Louis," and so many more films, without this artist's touch? Gibbons and the world of Hollywood come to a new life through author Howard Gutner, who has obviously deeply researched this subject and mined for us some fabulous photos to accompany this extensive and fascinating material. This book is a treasure trove of information and insight, and also shows Gutner's deep love and appreciation for the mystery and talents of Cedric Gibbons. What a great read about a design master written by a master of this material.

Exquisite lack and white photographs of Cedric Gibbons' sets are astonishing. The text of this beautiful book is always deeply informative and intelligent to the last degree. I loved the comments about Susan Lennox's decision to leave the penthouse and live less favorably with Clark Gable in a dump, as he describes his current flat. ere the author states that the penthouse is what we all desire, and Art Deco is indeed the new architectural equivalent for some, of happiness, stability, wealth. But Gibbons tempts us with his exceptional glamour in his style that we find it a bit hard to send Susan Lennox packing.The text and the photographs guide us through the labyrinthine days of Hollywood, Gibbons' great Hollywood, cajoling us and asking us to enter in and be a part of the mesmerizing sets he created. The author is extremely gifted as well.

Marvelous results in every wayA+++++

For all those who love the Golden Age of Hollywood and are curious as to who designed the luscious sets of all those great movies. I first learned about Cedric Gibbon in my favorite documentary in a collection of hundreds, When the Lion Roars, about the history of MGM. Two great non-acting, non-directing artists stood out: Cedric Gibbon and clothes designer Adrian. When I discovered this book existed and was sold on Amazon, I wouldn't rest until I saved my pennies and bought it!

Nice book with beautiful photographs that concentrates on the art and production designs of MGM legend Cedric Gibbons. The book also included photographs of the house Gibbons designed when married to Delores Del Rio. However, I wish the print had been a bit larger as it would have made it easier to read. Additionally there was a spelling error where on page 100 actor Lewis Stone's name was spelled correctly but then on page 102 it was spelled as Louis Stone.

This is a book to treasure, and not just for the many beautiful, enlightening photos that it contains. People who actually read the text as well as look at the photographs and captions will find a treasure trove of information here, beautifully written and meticulously researched. An absolute MUST for fans of classical Hollywood cinema. The chapter on Gibbons’s art deco house -- the one he built in Santa Monica in the early 1930s -- is alone worth the price of the entire book.

Beautiful book well written on the interesting and improbable life of Cedric Gibbons, Art Director at MGM during the golden era. Includes interesting historical facts about the set design for many of MGM's great films. Well worth the investment.

A wonderful addition to my books on the Golden Age of Hollywood - watching old black and white movies with thebeautiful sets has always been a pleasure of mine - especially scenes of NYC and penthouse apartments!Wish there had been more photos, but a treasure to read for sure.

Anyone interested in the golden age of Hollywood, will love this book. I’ve been searching for a book about Cedric gibbons for years, and hers it is.