We are big fans of Saul Bass, one of film’s great title/graphic artists and commercial designers, who would have been 93 on May 8. He created title sequences for many important films of the 1950’s through 1970’s. He was also a resident of Altadena, who died in 1996.
Some of his most noted title sequences included the Alfred Hitchcock films “North by Northwest,” “Vertigo,” and “Psycho.” Other famous sequences included “Anatomy of a Murder,” the original Rat Pack “Ocean’s 11,” and “West Side Story.” His last title sequence was “Casino” in 1995. His influence can be seen to this day in film and television (for example, the opening of “Mad Men” is a tribute to Bass’s style).
Google is honoring Bass with a “Google doodle” tribute to his work, which went live Tuesday night. Check it out if you can!
Here’s a tribute site, Saul Bass on the Web.


Hugo said…
Awesome!!…thanks for this article Tim. I hope current designers and future designers will take a look at some of his work today. Heck, everyone should! There are many good videos on YouTube. And I know there are several people in Altadena who worked with Bass. And you can’t forget his design for “The Shining.” Take a look at how this genius approached ‘The Shining” — http://www.thefoxisblack.com/2012/12/11/saul-bass-poster-sketches-for-stanley-kubricks-the-shining/
Wednesday, May 08, 2013 at 07:13 AM
Michele Z said…
Saul Bass’s wonderful Case Study House on Santa Rosa was featured in Altadena Heritage’s “Moderns” Tour 8 or 10 years ago. I’m not sure if that was the last time it was open to the public or not, but what an opportunity to see it! We were very lucky that the late great photographer Julius Shulman allowed us use of several photographs he taken of it when it was new to publicize the tour.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013 at 01:27 PM
the Add A Lane Project said…
I fondly recall his humorous, quirky and profound documentary “Why Man Creates” which I saw in elementary school(the 60’s) and which message and memories are with me today. Is it still available? If so, anyone know where?
Erik Forrester
Wednesday, May 08, 2013 at 04:11 PM
Hugo said…
Erik, that DVD is out of print and difficult to find. But you can see excepts on YouTube.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013 at 05:16 PM
Altadena Resident said…
Thanks for introducing me to this talented giant of an artist who lived in my hometown Altadena. Post-Modern design and architecture reminds me of my youth, so I’m loving his work. Searching Mr. Bass on the internet, I’ve been enlightened by his expansive body of work that is world reknowned.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013 at 09:28 PM