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The Queen of Spades was Messel's second Post-War film for which he designed both the sets and costumes.
Director Thorold Dickinson notes that upon arrival at the studio once the sets were near completion it was clear that 'Messel was obviously a man of the theatre with little film experience. He couldn't understand what scales you can use in film. He built a coach which was so big once you got it moving, it could only move ten feet before it was going through the studio wall. He did also note, however, that 'Oliver's sets were handsome and full of character...[and] was well chosen for the job.'
For further commentary on The Queen of Spades see R. Pinkham, Oliver Messel, exhibition catalogue, Victoria & Albert Museum, London, 1983.