Bringemovies
← Browse Movies
Design for Disaster
TITLE DETAILS

Design for Disaster

1962-02-28 · 27 min · Not rated

Documentary

This 1962 documentary tells the story of a fire that started on November 5th, 1961 in Bel Air, Los Angeles, and over the course of three days destroyed 484 homes, damaged 190 others, and burned over 16,000 acres. The $30 million disaster led to new laws by the city to eliminate wood shingle roofs and to clear dry brush away from homes. The film was produced by the Los Angeles Fire Department and is narrated by actor William Conrad

Open detail page

Trailers are previews, not full movies.

No authorized playback source configured. Use the legal watch options below.

Production details

Directors
Unavailable
Production companies
Los Angeles City Fire Department
Countries
United States of America
Status
Released

Top Cast

William ConradWilliam ConradNarrator
William MillerSelf-Chief Engineer-Los Angeles Fire Dept.

Title information and images are supplied by TMDb. Explore our discovery guide for advice on comparing metadata and legal viewing options.

Where to watch

Availability provided by JustWatch via TMDb. Offers can change. Provider links are listed on TMDb; full playback requires a separately authorized source.

Availability not listed for this country.

Recommendations

My Mom Jayne
★ 8.0
My Mom Jayne2025Documentary

Through deeply personal interviews with her siblings and an examination of the photographs, letters, and belongings left behind, Mariska assembles a new portrait of her mother Jayne Mansfield, an extraordinary and complex woman.

The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance
★ 7.5
The Crystal Calls - Making The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance2019Documentary

Go behind the scenes with stars, puppeteers and creators as they bring Jim Henson's magical world of Thra back to life in a sweeping fantasy series.

Justin Bieber's Believe
★ 6.9
Justin Bieber's Believe2013Documentary

A backstage and on-stage look at Justin Bieber during his rise to super stardom.

180° South
★ 7.3
180° South2010Documentary

The film follows adventurer Jeff Johnson as he retraces the epic 1968 journey of his heroes Yvon Chouinard and Doug Tompkins to Patagonia.

Halloween: 25 Years of Terror
★ 6.8
Halloween: 25 Years of Terror2006Documentary

Follow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular and revisits many of the original locations used in the films - seeing the effects on the local community. For the first time, cast, crew, critics and fans join together in the ultimate 'Halloween' retrospective.

Ex Libris: The New York Public Library
★ 6.4
Ex Libris: The New York Public Library2017Documentary

A documentary about how a dominant cultural and demographic institution both sustains their traditional activities and adapts to the digital revolution.

The Last Waltz
★ 7.7
The Last Waltz1978Documentary

Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Eric Clapton, and other rock legends.

Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger
★ 6.9
Oasis: Don't Look Back in Anger2026Documentary

Experience the meteoric rise of Oasis through rare footage and untold stories as the band reunites for Oasis Live '25, chronicling their journey from Manchester streets to global rock stardom.

End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones
★ 7.6
End of the Century: The Story of the Ramones2003Documentary

A years-in-the-making documentary on the legendary punk band the Ramones. Through a mixture of archival footage, archival and new interviews with all members of the band's various lineups, and new interviews with a number of their contemporaries, the film traces the peaks and valleys the band experienced over the course of its 20-plus year career before disbanding in 1995.

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years
★ 7.5
The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years2016Documentary

The Beatles stormed through Europe's music scene in 1963, and, in 1964, they conquered America. Their groundbreaking world tours changed global youth culture forever and, arguably, invented mass entertainment as we know it today. All the while, the group were composing and recording a series of extraordinarily successful singles and albums. However the relentless pressure of such unprecedented fame, that in 1966 became uncontrollable turmoil, led to the decision to stop touring. In the ensuing years The Beatles were then free to focus on a series of albums that changed the face of recorded music.

56 Up
★ 7.2
56 Up2012Documentary

When a cross-section of seven-year-olds were interviewed for 7 Up in 1964 it was immediately evident that their social backgrounds influenced their attitudes towards life. While the upper class children were confident and self-assured, those from middle and working class backgrounds were resigned to a challenging life of hard work. This premise was put to the test every seven years when the same group were interviewed about the progression of their lives. 49 years in the making, the changes that occurred to the original 14 make for fascinating television and are in many ways the stories of all our lives. From success and disappointment, marriage and childbirth, to poverty and illness, nearly every facet of life has been captured on film. Now, at the age of 56, the group are once more brought together and, with the benefit of hindsight, assess whether their lives have been ruled by circumstance or self-determination.

More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead
★ 7.4
More Brains! A Return to the Living Dead2011Documentary

Retrospective documentary about the making of the horror cult classic "The Return of the Living Dead."

Naqoyqatsi
★ 6.2
Naqoyqatsi2002Documentary

A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.

Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon
★ 8.1
Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon2011Documentary

See Michael Jackson, one of the most recognizable and popular entertainers of all time, like never before in the feature-length tribute Michael Jackson: The Life of an Icon. Known to millions of fans worldwide for his record-breaking albums, groundbreaking music videos, mesmerizing dance moves and humanitarian efforts, his true story has never really been told...until now. This unprecedented look into the King of Pop's fascinating life includes all-new interviews with his mother Katherine Jackson as well as siblings Tito and Rebbie Jackson, his nephew Jaafar Jackson and niece Tahkyah brings plenty Jackson and Friends ends and music legends such as Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and his 3 children and many more.

League of Legends Origins
★ 7.0
League of Legends Origins2019Documentary

Fans, experts and creators of “League of Legends” detail the game’s rise from free demo to global esports titan.

Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction
★ 6.9
Harry Dean Stanton: Partly Fiction2013Documentary

An impressionistic portrait of the iconic actor Harry Dean Stanton comprised of intimate moments, film clips from some of his 250 films and his renditions of American folk songs.

9/11
★ 7.9
9/112002Documentary

An on-the-scene documentary following the events of September 11, 2001 from an insider's view, through the lens of two French filmmakers who simply set out to make a movie about a rookie NYC fireman and ended up filming the tragic event that changed our lives forever.

Being James Bond
★ 7.8
Being James Bond2021Documentary

Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Western Stars
★ 7.0
Western Stars2019Documentary

The incomparable Bruce Springsteen performs his critically acclaimed latest album and muses on life, rock, and the American dream, in this intimate and personal concert film co-directed by Thom Zimny and Springsteen himself.

Thriller 40
★ 8.7
Thriller 402023Documentary

Forty years after the release of Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller,’ the best-selling album of all-time, director Nelson George takes fans back in time to the making of a pop masterpiece, featuring never-before-seen footage and candid interviews.

Similar titles

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Chlorine and the Firefighter1974Documentary

This 1974 film is dedicated by the Chlorine Institute to the public interest. It is specifically intended to assist firefighters and other emergency services. The techniques demonstrated are appropriate for emergency use; different circumstances might require modified or additional procedure. The information is drawn from sources believed to be reliable. The Institute, its members any organizations cooperating in the development of this film, jointly or severally, cannot be responsible for how the information is used and must make this legal disclaimer. This is a 1960s era, color movie about Chlorine and emergency workers… specifically, firefighters. The film is intended to show firefighters what chlorine is, what a chlorine emergency might involve, how a company can plan ahead and how an emergency can be handled safely.

Rolling Forward
Not rated
Rolling ForwardDocumentary

In the wake of devastating wildfires, a community rediscovers connection and resilience through one unlikely force: bocce ball.

Desynchronized
★ 10.0
Desynchronized2021Documentary

Recent studies show that insects are in decline across the globe and there may be a direct connection between the current climate crisis and these declining populations. DESYNCHRONIZED focuses on Pope Canyon Queens, a beekeeping and queen breeding company in Northern California. Pope Canyon Queens is currently trying to rebuild after the 2020 LNU Lightning Complex fires destroyed their farm, shop, and half of their hives. Their crucial work to breed honey bee queens with stronger genes fortifies beekeepers' hives across the country while they face the effects of climate change and unregulated industries. Dr. Nicholas Teets, PhD Entomology, explains how shifts in phenology are predicted to cause bigger issues. Howard Goldstein, Senior Forest Ecologist at the Prospect Park Alliance explores how community gardens and green spaces in large metropolitan areas may help insect populations recover from loss of habitat and food scarcity.

Les Mégafeux, la nouvelle guerre du feu
★ 8.5
Les Mégafeux, la nouvelle guerre du feu2022Documentary

Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet
★ 7.5
Breaking Boundaries: The Science of Our Planet2021Documentary

David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockström examine Earth's biodiversity collapse and how this crisis can still be averted.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
High Rise Building Problems1973

This is a 1970’s era, color movie discussing problems fire departments have with high rise buildings. It opens with a massive high-rise tower with a ladder next to it and was produced with the assistance of the National Fire Protection Association and Fire Prevention through Films. Producer is Julian Olansky and the New Haven Fire Department in New Haven, Connecticut.

Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch
★ 5.1
Horror in the High Desert 3: Firewatch2024

As a wildfire bears down on the opposite side of the state, Oscar Mendoza, armed with a secret, takes advantage of the distraction and journeys to Northeastern Nevada in search of missing outdoorsman Gary Hinge's last known whereabouts.

Rebuilding
★ 6.5
Rebuilding2025

After wildfires take his ranch, a cowboy named Dusty winds up in a FEMA camp, finding community with others who lost homes, including his daughter and ex-wife.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Condemned1963

“Condemned” (c.1960s) is a color fire prevention film presented by Fire Prevention Through Films. It was produced by Julian Olansky in cooperation with fire departments across Connecticut (Andover, Eagleville, Hebron, Mansfield, Willimantic, University of Connecticut Fire Dept.). The film warns against the dangers of fire and not having a proper fire safety plan. The film starts out by focussing heavily on the risks associated with carelessly smoking cigarettes at home before showing other scenarios that can turn deadly.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
The Fire Triangle1962

"The Fire Triangle" presents different types of fires (electrical, chemical, etc.) and firefighting techniques, while exploring the "triangle" conception of fire, consisting of heat, fuel and oxygen. Shot in Los Angeles with the cooperation of the LAFD, it dates to 1962.

9th Circuit Cowboy
Not rated
9th Circuit Cowboy2021Documentary

9th CIRCUIT COWBOY is the story of Judge Harry Pregerson who, for almost half a century, served on California's famously liberal 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Jo
Not rated
Jo2025Documentary

Jo; or The Act of Riding a Bike is Zefier's third film.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
The Hard Questions: Basics IIDocumentary

Tips on applying the viewpoints of world leaders to your daily life, presented by the Athelstone Uniting Church.

The Architects of Hope: The First Steps in Rebuilding Ukraine
Not rated
The Architects of Hope: The First Steps in Rebuilding Ukraine2024Documentary

This feature documentary follow 5 architects on their determined journeys to continue building during wartime, as they seek a new people-focused identity for Ukrainian architecture. While Russia continues to turn former Ukrainian cities to dust, Ukraine’s leading architects are already building upwards & advanced new buildings are rising again as symbols of hope.

Poster unavailable
Not rated
Drawing Probable Conclusions / Conclude with Probable Drawings2024Documentary

Embarking on an evocative journey through the film and video collection of Museum Boijmans Van Beuningen, artist Rosa Barba introduces Drawing Probable Conclusions / Conclude with Probable Drawings.

Flames of War II
Not rated
Flames of War II2017Documentary

The sequel to the 2014 ISIS propaganda film "Flames of War", depicting the organization's operations in Syria and Iraq as well as Egypt after the group's loss of Mosul and Raqqa.

Tarzan Revisited
★ 6.5
Tarzan Revisited2017Documentary

Tarzan: the super hero who never goes out of fashion. The son of British Royalty, he is raised by apes in the African jungle and finds his true love, Jane. Swinging through trees, communicating with wild animals, he is exotic, entertaining and accessible. This film recounts the birth of the character in the mind of Edgar Rice Burroughs and how each generation has reinvented and reinterpreted him.

End of the Commune?
★ 8.0
End of the Commune?1970Documentary

A documentary about Fassbinder and the early years of the legendary Antiteater, the group he was a member/leader of. You can here see and hear some of the actors he was going to use in his movies for the next years. The movie shows rehearsals for his play "The Coffeehouse," which also became a television movie, and you can watch unique footage from the 19th Film Festival in Berlin (1969) where "Love is Colder Than Death" was shown. As told in this documentary, his first feature movie was given a cold shoulder by many of the journalists and visitors at the festival. You can in "End of the Commune" watch Fassbinder and actor Ulli Lommel walk out on stage after the opening of "Love is Colder Than Death,” while a man in the audience is shouting "Out with the director!” In this documentary, Fassbinder also talks a lot about his father, who was a respectable doctor.

The Best of Burlesque
Not rated
The Best of Burlesque1981Documentary

Legendary performer Sherry Britton presents song, dance (choreographed by Wakefield Poole) and comedy. The way burlesque used to be.

The Story of Zagreb Comics: New Square
Not rated
The Story of Zagreb Comics: New Square2017Documentary

Documentary about "New Square", a group of young cartoonists from Zagreb who mainly gathered around the weekly paper Sloga in the second half of the 1970s. The authors Radovan Devlić (1950-2000), Krešimir Skozret (1951-) Joško Marušić (1952-), Mirko Ilić (1956-), Krešimir Zimonić (1956-) and Igor Kordej (1957-) introduced graphic innovations that raised the general interest in the Croatian comic art.

Your favorites

Recently viewed

Watch

Choose an authorized server.

Full video from an operator-configured authorized source. Official trailers use a separate player. If a server fails, retry or select another authorized server.

Legal watch options

Official trailer

Trailer preview only. Press Play to start.

Privacy choices

Favorites stay in your browser. Movie images load from TMDb. YouTube trailers contact YouTube only after you allow external media and choose a trailer. Advertising consent, if ads are enabled, is managed separately by the operator’s certified CMP.

Privacy policy

After allowing external media, choose the trailer button to load its player.