The Collection

The Student Prince Cathedral

This backing exemplifies the advanced architectural drawing of MGM. The backdrop is painted translucently, allowing the for stained glass window lighting effects. This backing appears behind the king lying in state.

Painted cathedral interior with Gothic columns, choir screen, and altar
Painted detail of Gothic cathedral columns and pointed arches
Painted detail of stained glass windows and Gothic choir screen
Painted detail of cathedral columns and stone bases
Painted detail of fluted stone cathedral columns
Painted detail of decorative cathedral wall panels with a cross motif
Film still of a cathedral interior with an altar and ceremonial guards
Painted cathedral interior with Gothic columns, choir screen, and altar
Painted detail of Gothic cathedral columns and pointed arches
Painted detail of stained glass windows and Gothic choir screen
Painted detail of cathedral columns and stone bases
Painted detail of fluted stone cathedral columns
Painted detail of decorative cathedral wall panels with a cross motif
Film still of a cathedral interior with an altar and ceremonial guards
Director
Richard Thorpe
Studio
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Art Direction
Randall Duell, Cedric Gibbons
Scenic Art Supervisor
George Gibson
Scenic Artist
Clark Provins, Duncan Alanson Spencer
Description
Interior German Cathedral
Place
Karlsburg (fictional), Germany, near the turn of the 20th century
Date
1954
Dimensions
35’-2” x 20’-3”
Medium
Dry color and gelatin binder on cotton muslin
Style
Interior Architecture
Credit
Gift of J.C. Backings Corporation
Photo Credit
Texas Performing Arts, Sandy Carson

The Student Prince was a hit musical filled with painted backdrops and rich environments emblematic of MGM’s style.

Poster for the 1954 MGM film The Student Prince featuring Ann Blyth and Edmund Purdom