How did Mitchell Leisen begin his career in the film industry?

Mitchell Leisen began his career in the film industry after relocating to Los Angeles with aspirations of becoming an actor. Although he found little success in acting, he transitioned into behind-the-scenes roles, initially designing sets for community theatre.1

His breakthrough came when he was hired by Cecil B. DeMille as a costume designer for the 1919 film Male and Female. Following this, Leisen established himself as a skilled set decorator and art director. Throughout the 1920s, he contributed to several elaborate productions, including Robin Hood (1922), The Thief of Bagdad (1924), and The King of Kings (1927). His work on the 1929 film Dynamite earned him an Academy Award nomination for best art direction, solidifying his reputation in the industry before he eventually moved into directing.12