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	...	Self
James Harlan	...	Self
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Hugh M. Kaptur	...	Self
Chris Menrad	...	Self

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:

home | palm springs california | architecture | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Did You Know?

Trivia

While filming an interview, the producers met a contractor whose father had been an apprentice carpenter for the Alexander Construction Company. Now in his late seventies, he agreed to be interviewed in the film about how these homes were built within three weeks. Hoping to interview other trades, the producers placed ads, contacted unions and attempted to find other laborers to no avail. Joe Contreras was the only surviving worker and had a severe stroke shortly after filming was completed.

User Reviews

Brilliant!

A totally brilliant and historical viewpoint of the Alexander Company and their infiltration into the Palm Springs housing market. So many in-depth interviews with people who worked for the company, knew the family and historians who are documenting the project. What started as an idea turned itself into an architectural movement which now populates the landscape of Palm Springs. I learned so many new and informative facts about the Alexander Company and their products. But, the BEST parts of the movie were the "House Tours" and seeing some really, really cool house and furnishings. Long live the mid-century homes!!! Please take the quick 45 minute tour of the homes that define Palm Springs!!

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