Design for Death
“Enemy War-Makers Unmasked!”
Synopsis
Documentary Feature winner "Design for Death" (1947) examines Japanese culture and how it led to Japan's role in WWII.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
June 10, 1948
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Richard Fleischer
- Screenplay & Story
- Helen Palmer, Dr. Seuss
- Original Title
- Design for Death
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 48m
- Production Studios
- RKO Radio Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Richard Fleischer
Helen Palmer, Dr. Seuss
Elmo Williams, Marston Fay
Sid Rogell, Theron Warth
Department Leadership Roster
Elmo Williams
Editor
Sid Rogell
Producer
Marston Fay
Editor
Helen Palmer
Writer
Theron Warth
Producer
Dr. Seuss
Writer
Richard Fleischer
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Design for Death.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Design for Death.
Documentaries
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War: World War II
Auto-filled from Letterboxd lists
Academy Awards - Best Documentary Feature Winners 1943-2025
Academy Awards winners archive (Best Documentary Feature Winners 1943-2025)
Academy Awards: Winners
Oscar Best Documentary Nominees
Complete list of Oscar Best Documentary Nominees
Seasonal: Oscar Season Picks
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Frequently Asked Questions About Design for Death
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Design for Death about?
Documentary Feature winner "Design for Death" (1947) examines Japanese culture and how it led to Japan's role in WWII.
Who directed Design for Death?
Design for Death was directed by Richard Fleischer.
Who stars in Design for Death?
The principal cast of Design for Death includes Kent Smith, Hans Conried.
When was Design for Death released and how long is it?
Design for Death was released in 1948 with a total runtime of 48m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Design for Death?
Design for Death holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).