Mid-Century Moderns: The Homes That Define Palm Springs (2013)

When Father and Son team George and Bob Alexander started building affordable architect designed homes in Palm Springs in 1955, they had no idea they would be the catalyst of what is today ... See full summary »

Director:

John C. Brown

Writer:

Bert Simonis

Stars:

Robert Imber, James Harlan, Hugh M. Kaptur

Cast

Credited cast:
Robert Imber	...	Himself
James Harlan	...	Himself
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Hugh M. Kaptur	...	Himself
Chris Menrad	...	Himself

Storyline

When Father and Son team George and Bob Alexander started building affordable architect designed homes in Palm Springs in 1955, they had no idea they would be the catalyst of what is today a city filled with modern design. This documentary film goes beyond the walls and hedges of Mid-Century homes that were built in neighborhoods like Twin Palms, Vista Las Palmas and Racquet Club Estates. The film features interviews with noted architects James Harlan, author of The Alexanders: A Desert Legacy and Hugh M. Kaptur, a contemporary of Palmer and Krisel, as they articulate their knowledge of the innovations made in construction these mid-century marvels of design. Also well-know preservationists including Gary Johns, Vice President of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation and Robert Imber, owner and operator of Palm Springs Modern Tours and Chairman of the PS ModCom Education Committee, discuss the impact of the Alexander Construction Company on California Living and the "built ...

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Plot Keywords:

mid century | mid century homes | alexander homes | palm springs california | architecture | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site [United States] This 'n That Films

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 January 2013 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Palm Springs, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$10,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

46 min

Color:

Color (HD)

Aspect Ratio:

16:9 HD

Did You Know?

Trivia

Architect William Krisel was still alive during production of the film and he had the producers jump through many hoops to prove that his participation was a value-add. Ultimately, he declined to be interviewed on camera, but did provide the end quote in the film for the producers to use, for which they are grateful.

User Reviews

A celebration of modernism not to be missed!

As a documentary film maker myself, I can say that this new film moves like a house-afire! There is never a dull moment and it never lags or becomes boring. It takes us for a trip through the subject of Mid-century modern architecture, and shows how it has impacted not only Palm Springs, California, but much of the southland, as well. The film makers have rounded up the leading experts on this subject, and with humor and terrific colorful footage, they show us a glimpse of that time when the "Sputnik" helped define "Space-age Modern". Experts like Jim Harlan and Robert Imber provide context for understanding the excitement of the homeowners featured and why living in these cool houses is so unique.