A Group of Set Stills from Paramount Pictures Science Fiction Films

A Group of Set Stills from Paramount Pictures Science Fiction Films Including When Worlds Collide, I Married a Monster from Outer Space, The Space Children, Robinson Crusoe on Mars, The President's Analyst, and Project X. Please note that there may be some duplication of photographs in each film folder. When Worlds Collide (Paramount Pictures, 1951). Director Rudolph Mate. Science Fiction. Approximately 120 silver gelatin photographs, 4 x 5 in., many date stamped (1950-1951) to verso, one featuring Barbara Rush. I Married a Monster from Outer Space (Paramount Pictures, 1958). Director Gene Fowler, Jr. Science Fiction. Approximately 50 silver gelatin photographs, 8 x 10 in., many date stamped (April-May 1958) to verso. Together with 3 smaller photos, 4 x 5 in. The Space Children (Paramount Pictures, 1958). Director Jack Arnold. Science Fiction. Approximately 45 silver gelatin photographs, 8 x 10 in., many date stamped (Dec. 1957) to verso. Together with 4 smaller photos, 4 x 5 in. Robinson Crusoe on Mars (Paramount Pictures, 1964. Director Byron Haskin. Science Fiction. A group of 35 silver gelatin photographs, some date stamped (1963-1964) to verso, 4 x 5 in. Together with 5 larger photos, 8 x 10 in.; and a group of very faded Polaroid photos. The President's Analyst (aka T.P.A.) (Paramount Pictures, 1967). Directed by Theodore J. Flicker. Science Fiction. A group of 60 silver gelatin photographs, 8 x 10 in. Together with 9 smaller photos, 4 x 5 in.; and a group of very faded Polaroid photos. Project X (Paramount Pictures, 1968). Directed by William Castle. Science Fiction. Approximately 15 silver gelatin photographs, 8 x 10 in., some date stamped (April 1967) to verso. Together with 4 color Polaroid photos, 4 x 5 in. 8 x 10 in. or smaller Footnotes: The collection of Paramount Pictures set stills that is being offered in this auction is an extraordinary historical archive from the late 1920s to the early 1970s. Sets stills were taken for continuity purposes and to document the arrangements of the sets and props, etc, during the making of a film. Not only does this collection photographically document the changes in filmmaking through the decades, it details the changing styles of architecture, interior design (the Art Deco sets from the 1930s are astonishingly beautiful), fashion, cars, and more. In the cases of location shooting, one can see the evolution of various southern California towns and landmarks, from the tony nightspots of Hollywood to the open spaces of Brentwood to the artistry of the Paramount Ranch. The photos give a unique behind-the-scenes look at the stars during filming; some vamp for the camera while others avoid it, some study their scripts or confer with the director, and some look incredibly bored. Equally interesting is the appearance of the stars' lookalike stand-ins and famous extras such as Bess Flowers. The unsung heroes of filmmaking, the crews, are seen as well, holding the booms, adjusting the lights, holding the clapper boards, and waiting, waiting, waiting. And speaking of unsung heroes, the talent, imagination, style, and creativity of the art directors and set decorators for these films cannot be overstated. Most of the fashion designers of the 1930s and '40s, such as Edith Head, are recognized for their contributions, as well they should be; however, the set decorators and art directors are grossly overlooked. Masters of their profession such as Hans Dreier, Robert Usher, William Flannery, Hal Pereira, Ernst Fegte, Sam Comer, Walter H. Tyler, A. Earl Hedrick, and so many others, deserve their place in the sun, and hopefully, the future owners of these historic photographs will appreciate their artistry. Lot to be sold without reserve. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing