Oregon Movies, A to Z

James Wong Howe (born Wong Tun Jim) was born in Canton, China. He grew up in Spokane, and spent a brief period boxing in Portland before moving to Los Angeles and discovering his true gift.

Working his way up the professional ladder in an atmosphere of racial prejudice, he became one of the greatest cinematographers in film history. He shot everything from The Thin Man to Funny Lady, from the Sweet Smell of Success to Prisoner of Zenda.

If you want a quick introduction to the way Howe turned black and white photography into visual poetry, watch Hud.

James Wong Howe came to Eugene to shoot Abe Lincoln In Illinois, directed by John Cromwell, in 1940.