Biography
English theatrical designer Charles D. Hall was brought to America by
Charlie Chaplin in 1918. Hall handled art direction and/or production design of such Chaplin masterpieces as
Shoulder Arms (1918),
The Gold Rush (1925),
The Circus (1928),
City Lights (1931) and
Modern Times (1936). Long associated with Universal Studios, Hall was primarily responsible for the "Hollywood Gothic" look of such Universal horror melodramas as
Cat and the Canary (1927),
Dracula (1931),
Frankenstein (1931),
The Old Dark House (1932) and
Bride of Frankenstein (1935). Hall's credits are sometimes confused with those of comic actor Charlie Hall, especially during the years when both Halls were on the payroll of Hal Roach studios. While at Roach, Charles D. Hall received Oscar nominations for his work on
Merrily We Live (1938) and
Captain Fury (1939). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide