Grave Hunter
James Wong Howe
D.O.B.:August 28, 1899 (Canton, China)
D.O.D.:July 12, 1976 (Hollywood, CA)
Cause of Death: Cancer
Location: Westwood Memorial; Mausoleum; Sanctuary Of Tranquility
Biographical Notes:
He was one of the outstanding masters of light and shadow through the golden
years of the studio era.
Known as Jimmie to his friends and coworkers, his innovations and meticulous
eye gave motion pictures a look that was compelling.
Jimmie was Cecil B. DeMille's slate-boy. It wouldn't take long for this
ambitious and talented young man to graduate to assistant cameraman.
By
1922 Jimmie was a full-fledged director of photography.
Originally
billed as Jimmie Howe or James Howe, during his stint at M-G-M he was given the
middle name of "Wong" by the publicity department to add an exotic
flair.
Jimmie
realized his greatest successes during the sound era. He also perfected
experimental techniques that became standard after his creative applications.
For example, he put the cameraman on roller skates, using a small, hand-held
camera to follow the action more intimately and dramatically in the boxing ring
for "Body and Soul".
His
impressive roster of classic films include several Academy Award nominations and
wins.
Cinematographer:
"The Rose Tattoo" (1955) "Come Back, Little Sheba"
(1952) "Body & Soul" (1947)
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