MovieChat Forums > Shanghai Express (1932) Discussion > James Wong Howe's cinematography work

James Wong Howe's cinematography work

posted 12 years ago by Manton29
7 replies | jump to latest

Just read that cinematographer James Wong Howe shot footage in China for a film that was never made and the footage was later used in Shanghai Express.

It's been a while since I saw the film, can anyone tell me what footage was Howe's, actually shot in China rather than on a set?

I guess maybe the scenes in which train goes through a very populated area with people and animals crossing the track...?

It's been a while so I can't visualise it now. Any ideas?

Cheers,

Anton

Time for a new signature, perhaps. Hmmmm...

[–] sleepybone 11 years ago

I don't know what footage Howe shot--I've never heard that before--but I do know that the train shots you refer to were done in areas near Bakersfield and Chatsworth, CA, where they had railroad tracks. Source is Marlene Dietrich: Life and Legend, by Steven Bach. They were beautiful, weren't they?

[–] urgeking 9 years ago

There's a long shot from behind the locomotive when the train is finally departing after the rebels held it up for a few hours. You see a rural valley with mountains in the background and the railroad station to the left. That looks like it might have been shot in China-- unless the background was matted in, but it looks real.

If you're a fan of steam locomotives and/or great movie photography you should definitely see this film. Regardless of who deserves most of the credit, its cinematography Oscar was well-deserved. Very creative, artful use of light. The shots of the train arriving at the station, the back-lit trainman silhouetted against steam and smoke as he pulls the waterspout over to the locomotive tender... the very long and visually-complex dissolves in various scenes... not to mention the way Dietrich is lit, like near the end when she's standing in her train compartment with trembling hands, her face illuminated from above, right after she tested her ex-lover's 'faith'... Beautiful stuff.

[–] Manton29 9 years ago

Thanks, urge. I'll keep an eye out for that shot next time. As for your comments RE the cinematography as a whole, I completely agree - the film is more successful in its visuals than in any other aspect, and that particular shot of Dietrich you describe is absolutely a timeless classic; a masterful iconic portrait that I will never forget.

Cheers,

Manton

If to stand pat means to resist evil then, yes, neighbour, we wish to stand pat.

[–] Manton29 9 years ago

[–] Peterlh 9 years ago

Indeed this movie has stunning images and cinematography work. It is too bad there wasn't much of a plot, a better plot would have made this a clear 10/10 in my opinion.

[–] Popcorngal (4361) 5 years ago

I saw the film yesterday, I was wondering myself about the location shots. They were beautiful.