James Wong Howe

Pioneering cinematographer and director of the Golden Age of Hollywood.

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:: James Wong Howe
Role / Field:: Pioneering cinematographer and director of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
Born:: 1899-08-28
Died:: 1976-07-12
Century / Era:: 1899s Historical Era
Database Source:: 2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Life

James Wong Howe, ASC (born Wong Tung Jim, Chinese: 黃宗霑; August 28, 1899 – July 12, 1976) was a Chinese-born American cinematographer and film director, who worked on over 130 films during the Golden Age of Hollywood and well into the 1970s. During the 1930s and 1940s, he was one of the most sought after cinematographers in Hollywood due to his innovative filming techniques. Howe was known as a master of the use of shadow and one of the first to use deep-focus cinematography. Born in Guangdong, Howe immigrated to the United States at age five and grew up in Washington.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was a professional boxer during his teenage years, and later began his career in the film industry as an assistant to Cecil B. DeMille. Howe pioneered the use of wide-angle lenses and low-key lighting, as well as the use of the crab dolly. Despite the success of his professional life, Howe faced significant racial discrimination in his private life. He became an American citizen only after the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943, and due to anti-miscegenation laws, his marriage to Sanora Babb, a white woman, was not legally recognized in the state of California until 1948.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

Howe earned 10 nominations for the...

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1899 (1899-08-28): Birth of James Wong Howe — Pioneering cinematographer and director of the Golden Age of Hollywood.
1943: 1943 Milestone — He became an American citizen only after the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1943, and due to anti-miscegenation laws, his marriage to Sanora Babb, a white woman, was not legally recognized in the state of California until 1948.
1976 (1976-07-12): Passing & Historical Legacy — James Wong Howe passed away on 1976-07-12, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: James Wong Howe

True or False: “James Wong Howe was primarily known for his mastery of high-key, brightly lit cinematography.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): He was renowned for his innovative use of shadow and low-key lighting techniques in his work.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

Al Capone — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Notorious American gangster and businessman during the Prohibition era.
Aldo Nadi — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Italian fencing champion known for his Olympic success and teaching in the US.
Alfred Hitchcock — Contemporary (Born in 1899) (1899): Master of Suspense, influential English filmmaker known for psychological thrillers.
A Day at the Races (album) — Contemporary (Born in 1976) (1976): Queen's fifth studio album, a companion piece to A Night at the Opera.
Abiy Ahmed — Contemporary (Born in 1976) (1976): Ethiopian Prime Minister known for sweeping reforms and Nobel Peace Prize.
Adam Beyer — Contemporary (Born in 1976) (1976): Pioneering Swedish techno producer and DJ, known for founding Drumcode Records.
Al Arbour — Shared historical date (08-28 · Died) (2015): Pioneering Canadian hockey player, coach, and executive known for leading the Islanders.
Al-Shafi'i — Shared historical date (08-28 · Born) (767): Founder of the Shāfiʿī school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence and jurist.
Alexander Cartwright — Shared historical date (07-12 · Died) (1892): Founding member of the Knickerbockers and developer of early baseball rules.
Alexander Hamilton — Shared historical date (07-12 · Died) (1804): American Founding Father, first U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, and Federalist leader.
1899 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1899
August 28 (08-28) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on August 28
1976 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1976
July 12 (07-12) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on July 12

Frequently Asked Questions about James Wong Howe

Who was James Wong Howe and what are their primary contributions?

Pioneering cinematographer and director of the Golden Age of Hollywood. Origins & Early Life: James Wong Howe, ASC (born Wong Tung Jim, Chinese: 黃宗霑; August 28, 1899 – July 12, 1976) was a Chinese-born American cinematographer and film director, who worked on over 130 films during the Golden Age of Hollywood and well into the 1970s. During the 1930s and 1940s, he was one of the most sought after cinematographers in Hollywood due to his innovative filming techniques. Howe was known as a master of the use of shadow and one of the first to use deep-focus cinematography. Born in Guangdong, Howe immigrated to the United States at age five and grew up in Washington.

When was James Wong Howe born and during which historical era did they live?

James Wong Howe was born on 1899-08-28 and passed away on 1976-07-12. For complete historical world events during this era, explore the 1899 Chrono-Archive.

Where can I read more verified chronological archives on James Wong Howe?

Explore verified primary sources, interactive timelines, and contemporary figures in the 2Day Chrono-Wiki encyclopedia or review the original entry on Wikipedia.

Source: Wikipedia