MovieChat Forums > Macao (1952) Discussion > I love this film, but . . .

I love this film, but . . .

posted 12 years ago by JimTom-2
4 replies | jump to latest

Does anyone believe RKO sent cast and crew to China in 1952 to make this B&W movie? That's what IMDb lists for Filming locations: "Hong Kong" and "Macau." Really? For a story line that takes place mostly indoors? Or, when outdoors, on fairly obvious sets (some in front of what appear to be rear-projection screens)?

Except for opening scenes of a ferry boat approaching Macao (probably stock shots missing the "atmosphere" to match the rest of the movie) this film must surely have been made at RKO in California. Does anyone reading this know?

[–] Yojimbo28 12 years ago

Some of the tropical shots are clearly stock footage, but maybe they sent a crew there to film some more establishing shots. You can rest assured, however, that Russell, Mitchum, and company were nowhere near Macau or Hong Kong.

[–] Deidra 11 years ago

Yes, on a commentary track for this film, it is explained that it was shot on the RKO lot but that a second unit director went to Hong Kong/Macao for the location shots used near the beginning of the film. And that they purchased additional documentary footage but never used it. Enjoy.

[–] dp-131 10 years ago

I love this film too. No buts!

[–] dodgercodger 9 years ago

Best scene: Lawrence Trumble (William Bendix) spitting out his cigar at the barber shop when the lady asks him (in perfect English) if he prefers the Giants or Dodgers (no mention of Babe Ruth??)

Howard Hughes sneaking in an inside joke? Whodathunkit.