Mitchell Leisen
Director
About Mitchell Leisen
Mitchell Leisen was a distinguished Hollywood director who began his career in the film industry as a costume designer and art director during the silent era. Born in Michigan in 1898, Leisen studied at the Art Institute of Chicago before moving to Hollywood, where he initially worked under Cecil B. DeMille as a set and costume designer. His transition to directing came in the early 1930s when DeMille gave him opportunities to direct second units and eventually full films. Leisen became known for his sophisticated visual style and ability to blend comedy with drama, particularly in his work at Paramount Pictures during the 1930s and 1940s. He directed some of the era's most elegant romantic comedies and melodramas, working with stars like Carole Lombard, Claudette Colbert, and Barbara Stanwyck. Despite his commercial success and critical acclaim, Leisen's reputation suffered in later years due to changing tastes and his reluctance to adapt to new filmmaking methods. His career declined in the 1950s, though he continued working in television before retiring in the 1960s.
The Craft
Behind the Camera
Mitchell Leisen was known for his elegant visual sensibility and sophisticated approach to both comedy and drama. His directing style emphasized meticulous production design, influenced by his background in costume and set design. Leisen had a particular talent for creating glamorous, visually stunning films that balanced wit with emotional depth. He was adept at drawing nuanced performances from his actors, particularly in romantic situations, and had a keen eye for composition and lighting that gave his films a distinctive polished look.
Milestones
- Transitioned from costume design to directing under Cecil B. DeMille
- Directed the Academy Award-winning 'To Each His Own' (1946)
- Created sophisticated romantic comedies at Paramount in the 1930s-40s
- Worked with major stars including Carole Lombard, Claudette Colbert, and Marlene Dietrich
- Received two Academy Award nominations for Best Director
Best Known For
Must-See Films
Accolades
Won
- Academy Award for Best Writing (Original Story) nomination for 'Hold Back the Dawn' (1941)
Nominated
- Academy Award for Best Director nomination for 'Hold Back the Dawn' (1941)
- Academy Award for Best Director nomination for 'To Each His Own' (1946)
- Directors Guild of America Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Motion Pictures for 'To Each His Own' (1946)
Special Recognition
- Hollywood Walk of Fame star (located at 6613 Hollywood Blvd)
Working Relationships
Worked Often With
Studios
Why They Matter
Impact on Culture
Mitchell Leisen made significant contributions to the development of the sophisticated Hollywood comedy and melodrama. His films helped define the 'screwball comedy' genre of the 1930s and 1940s, particularly through his work with Preston Sturges' screenplays. Leisen's visual style, influenced by his design background, elevated the aesthetic standards of romantic comedies, proving that popular entertainment could also be visually sophisticated. His films often featured strong female protagonists and addressed progressive social themes within the constraints of the Production Code, particularly regarding women's independence and sexuality.
Lasting Legacy
Mitchell Leisen's legacy has undergone significant reevaluation in recent decades, with film scholars recognizing his contributions to Hollywood's Golden Age. While overshadowed during his lifetime by more flamboyant directors, his films are now appreciated for their technical craftsmanship, visual elegance, and sophisticated blend of comedy and drama. Leisen is particularly noted for his skill in directing actresses and creating vehicles that showcased their talents. His work represents an important bridge between the visual opulence of silent cinema and the dialogue-driven sophistication of sound films, embodying the polished glamour that defined Hollywood's Golden Age.
Who They Inspired
Leisen influenced subsequent generations of filmmakers through his emphasis on visual storytelling and his ability to balance commercial appeal with artistic sophistication. His approach to romantic comedy influenced directors like Blake Edwards and Stanley Donen. The visual polish and attention to detail in his films set standards for production design that continue to influence contemporary filmmakers. His work with strong female characters and subtle social commentary paved the way for more nuanced approaches to gender and social issues in mainstream cinema.
Off Screen
Mitchell Leisen was known for his sophisticated lifestyle and close friendships with Hollywood stars. He was openly gay within Hollywood circles, which was relatively rare for his era, though this was not publicly acknowledged during his lifetime. He maintained long-term relationships with men and was part of Hollywood's discreet gay community. Leisen was known for his impeccable taste in art, fashion, and interior design, reflecting his artistic background. He was a social host who entertained frequently at his Hollywood home, which was decorated with his extensive art collection.
Education
Art Institute of Chicago
Did You Know?
- Began his Hollywood career as a costume designer for Cecil B. DeMille
- Designed the famous wedding dress for Gloria Swanson in 'Queen Kelly' (1928)
- Was one of the few openly gay directors working in Hollywood's Golden Age
- His film 'Midnight' (1939) was considered lost for decades before being rediscovered
- Turned down the chance to direct 'Casablanca' (1942)
- Was a skilled painter and maintained an extensive art collection
- His films were particularly popular with female audiences for their sophisticated take on romance
- Worked as an uncredited script doctor on several Paramount productions
- His final feature film 'The Girl Most Likely' (1957) was a musical remake of his earlier 'Moonlight and Valentino'
- Served as president of the Directors Guild of America from 1956-1957
In Their Own Words
I've always believed that the most important thing in a picture is the story. If you don't have a story, you don't have anything.
A director must be a psychologist, a diplomat, a mother, and a father all rolled into one.
I learned everything from DeMille - how to handle actors, how to tell a story visually, how to make a picture that people would want to see.
The secret to directing comedy is timing. The secret to directing drama is emotion. The secret to directing both is knowing when to use which.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mitchell Leisen?
Mitchell Leisen was a prominent Hollywood director during the Golden Age of cinema, known for sophisticated romantic comedies and melodramas. He began his career as a costume designer before transitioning to directing, working primarily at Paramount Pictures from the 1930s through the 1950s.
What films is Mitchell Leisen best known for?
Leisen is best known for 'Midnight' (1939), 'Hold Back the Dawn' (1941), 'To Each His Own' (1946), 'Remember the Night' (1940), and 'Swing High, Swing Low' (1937). These films showcase his talent for blending comedy with emotional depth and his sophisticated visual style.
When was Mitchell Leisen born and when did he die?
Mitchell Leisen was born on October 6, 1898, in Menominee, Michigan, and died on October 28, 1972, in Woodland Hills, California, at the age of 74.
What awards did Mitchell Leisen win?
Leisen received two Academy Award nominations for Best Director for 'Hold Back the Dawn' (1941) and 'To Each His Own' (1946). He also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and served as president of the Directors Guild of America.
What was Mitchell Leisen's directing style?
Leisen's directing style was characterized by visual elegance and sophistication, influenced by his background in costume and production design. He excelled at creating polished, glamorous films that balanced wit with emotional depth, particularly in romantic comedies and melodramas.
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Films
1 film
