John Barry

Who was John Barry?

John Barry (1935 – June 6, 1979) was a British film production designer.

Barry was born in London, originally worked as an architect with experience in stage design. He entered the film business as a draftsmen on the epic Elizabeth Taylor film vehicle CLEOPATRA. He went on to assist Art Director Elliott Scott on the 1960’s Patrick McGoohan spy TV series DANGER MAN. His first project as an art director in 1969 on the movie DECLINE AND FALL OF A BIRD WATCHER. Barry then became Production Designer on the Clint Eastwood action film KELLY’S HEROES in 1970, as well as the 1973 science fiction film PHASE IV. Barry was afforded the chance to work with Stanley Kubrick on the never-completed NAPOLEON. Kubrick hired him again as production designer on A CLOCKWORK ORANGE. Barry served up a unique design of pop art imagery mixed with unusual real life settings and this unsettling quality suited the dark subject matter.

His work on the fantasy musical THE LITTLE PRINCE in 1974 introduced George Lucas to Tunisia and the Star Wars locations and prompted Lucas to hire him for STAR WARS. His fantasy film designs continued on the first two SUPERMAN films.

Following these box office hits Barry was given the chance to direct his own project, the science fiction film SATURN 3. During filming, Barry fell out with the movie's star Kirk Douglas and was replaced by Stanley Donen. However, he was soon hired by George Lucas as a second unit director on THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK. On May 31st 1979, (two weeks into filming) he collapsed on-set and was hospitalized as his temperature rose to 104 degrees. He died at 2am on June 1st, a victim of meningitis. His memorial was held on June 11th at St. Paul's church, Grove Road, London. He was cremated that day.