Portrait of James Wong Howe

James Wong Howe

Bio: James Wong Howe, ASC, was a Chinese American cinematographer who worked on over 130 films. A master at the use of shadow, he was one of the first to use deep-focus cinematography, photography in which both foreground and distant planes remain in focus
Born: Sun, Aug 27 1899
Birthplace: Guangzhou, China

Death: Mon, Jul 12 1976
James Wong Howe is 76 years old
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Acting Roles
Crew Roles

Movies (As Crew)

Sorted by Release Date
Poster of Funny Lady
Funny Lady
James Wong Howe was 75 in Funny Lady as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Mar 15 1975
Poster of The Horsemen
The Horsemen
James Wong Howe was 71 in The Horsemen as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Aug 16 1971
Poster of The Molly Maguires
The Molly Maguires
James Wong Howe was 70 in The Molly Maguires as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Feb 08 1970
Poster of Last of the Mobile Hot Shots
Last of the Mobile Hot Shots
James Wong Howe was 70 in Last of the Mobile Hot Shots as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jan 14 1970
Poster of The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter
James Wong Howe was 68 in The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jul 31 1968
Poster of Hombre
Hombre
James Wong Howe was 67 in Hombre as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, Mar 21 1967
Poster of Seconds
Seconds
James Wong Howe was 67 in Seconds as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Oct 05 1966
Poster of This Property Is Condemned
This Property Is Condemned
James Wong Howe was 66 in This Property Is Condemned as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Aug 03 1966
Poster of The Glory Guys
The Glory Guys
James Wong Howe was 65 in The Glory Guys as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jul 07 1965
Poster of The Outrage
The Outrage
James Wong Howe was 65 in The Outrage as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Oct 07 1964
Poster of Hud
Hud
James Wong Howe was 63 in Hud as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, May 28 1963
Poster of The Small World: The Gypsy Children of Granada
The Small World: The Gypsy Children of Granada
James Wong Howe was 63 in The Small World: The Gypsy Children of Granada as 'Cinematography, Director'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jan 01 1963
Poster of Tess of the Storm Country
Tess of the Storm Country
James Wong Howe was 61 in Tess of the Storm Country as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Dec 08 1960
Poster of Song Without End
Song Without End
James Wong Howe was 60 in Song Without End as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Aug 11 1960
Poster of The Story on Page One
The Story on Page One
James Wong Howe was 60 in The Story on Page One as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, Dec 01 1959
Poster of The Last Angry Man
The Last Angry Man
James Wong Howe was 60 in The Last Angry Man as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Oct 22 1959
Poster of Bell, Book and Candle
Bell, Book and Candle
James Wong Howe was 59 in Bell, Book and Candle as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Dec 25 1958
Poster of The Invisible Avenger
The Invisible Avenger
James Wong Howe was 59 in The Invisible Avenger as 'Director'.
Movie Released: Tue, Dec 02 1958
Poster of The Old Man and the Sea
The Old Man and the Sea
James Wong Howe was 59 in The Old Man and the Sea as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, Oct 07 1958
Poster of Sweet Smell of Success
Sweet Smell of Success
James Wong Howe was 57 in Sweet Smell of Success as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Jul 04 1957
Poster of Drango
Drango
James Wong Howe was 57 in Drango as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jan 01 1957
Poster of Armored Attack!
Armored Attack!
James Wong Howe was 57 in Armored Attack! as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jan 01 1957
Poster of Death of a Scoundrel
Death of a Scoundrel
James Wong Howe was 57 in Death of a Scoundrel as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Oct 31 1956
Poster of Lincoln's Doctor's Dog
Lincoln's Doctor's Dog
James Wong Howe was 56 in Lincoln's Doctor's Dog as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Dec 14 1955
Poster of The Rose Tattoo
The Rose Tattoo
James Wong Howe was 56 in The Rose Tattoo as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Dec 12 1955
Poster of Picnic
Picnic
James Wong Howe was 56 in Picnic as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Nov 18 1955
Poster of Autumn in Rome
Autumn in Rome
James Wong Howe was 54 in Autumn in Rome as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, May 10 1954
Poster of Go Man Go
Go Man Go
James Wong Howe was 54 in Go Man Go as 'Director'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jan 27 1954
Poster of Jennifer
Jennifer
James Wong Howe was 54 in Jennifer as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Oct 25 1953
Poster of Main Street to Broadway
Main Street to Broadway
James Wong Howe was 54 in Main Street to Broadway as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Oct 12 1953
Poster of Indiscretion of an American Wife
Indiscretion of an American Wife
James Wong Howe was 53 in Indiscretion of an American Wife as 'Additional Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Apr 02 1953
Poster of The World of Dong Kingman
The World of Dong Kingman
James Wong Howe was 53 in The World of Dong Kingman as 'Director of Photography, Director'.
Movie Released: Thu, Jan 01 1953
Poster of Come Back, Little Sheba
Come Back, Little Sheba
James Wong Howe was 53 in Come Back, Little Sheba as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Dec 24 1952
Poster of The Lady Says No
The Lady Says No
James Wong Howe was 52 in The Lady Says No as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jan 06 1952
Poster of Behave Yourself!
Behave Yourself!
James Wong Howe was 52 in Behave Yourself! as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Sep 22 1951
Poster of He Ran All the Way
He Ran All the Way
James Wong Howe was 51 in He Ran All the Way as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jun 20 1951
Poster of The Brave Bulls
The Brave Bulls
James Wong Howe was 51 in The Brave Bulls as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Apr 18 1951
Poster of The Eagle and the Hawk
The Eagle and the Hawk
James Wong Howe was 51 in The Eagle and the Hawk as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Oct 01 1950
Poster of The Baron of Arizona
The Baron of Arizona
James Wong Howe was 50 in The Baron of Arizona as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Mar 04 1950
Poster of The Time of Your Life
The Time of Your Life
James Wong Howe was 49 in The Time of Your Life as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Sep 03 1948
Poster of Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House
James Wong Howe was 48 in Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Mar 25 1948
Poster of Body and Soul
Body and Soul
James Wong Howe was 48 in Body and Soul as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, Nov 11 1947
Poster of Pursued
Pursued
James Wong Howe was 47 in Pursued as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Mar 02 1947
Poster of Nora Prentiss
Nora Prentiss
James Wong Howe was 47 in Nora Prentiss as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Feb 22 1947
Poster of My Reputation
My Reputation
James Wong Howe was 46 in My Reputation as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jan 25 1946
Poster of Danger Signal
Danger Signal
James Wong Howe was 46 in Danger Signal as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Nov 21 1945
Poster of Confidential Agent
Confidential Agent
James Wong Howe was 46 in Confidential Agent as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Nov 02 1945
Poster of Counter-Attack
Counter-Attack
James Wong Howe was 45 in Counter-Attack as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Apr 26 1945
Poster of Objective, Burma!
Objective, Burma!
James Wong Howe was 45 in Objective, Burma! as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Feb 17 1945
Poster of Passage to Marseille
Passage to Marseille
James Wong Howe was 44 in Passage to Marseille as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Mar 11 1944
Poster of The North Star
The North Star
James Wong Howe was 44 in The North Star as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Nov 04 1943
Poster of Hangmen Also Die!
Hangmen Also Die!
James Wong Howe was 43 in Hangmen Also Die! as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Apr 15 1943
Poster of Air Force
Air Force
James Wong Howe was 43 in Air Force as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Mar 20 1943
Poster of The Hard Way
The Hard Way
James Wong Howe was 43 in The Hard Way as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Jan 13 1943
Poster of Yankee Doodle Dandy
Yankee Doodle Dandy
James Wong Howe was 42 in Yankee Doodle Dandy as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, May 29 1942
Poster of Kings Row
Kings Row
James Wong Howe was 42 in Kings Row as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Feb 02 1942
Poster of Navy Blues
Navy Blues
James Wong Howe was 42 in Navy Blues as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Sep 13 1941
Poster of Out of the Fog
Out of the Fog
James Wong Howe was 41 in Out of the Fog as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Jun 14 1941
Poster of Shining Victory
Shining Victory
James Wong Howe was 41 in Shining Victory as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, May 30 1941
Poster of The Strawberry Blonde
The Strawberry Blonde
James Wong Howe was 41 in The Strawberry Blonde as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Feb 21 1941
Poster of Fantasia
Fantasia
James Wong Howe was 41 in Fantasia as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Nov 13 1940
Poster of A Dispatch from Reuters
A Dispatch from Reuters
James Wong Howe was 41 in A Dispatch from Reuters as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Oct 19 1940
Poster of City for Conquest
City for Conquest
James Wong Howe was 41 in City for Conquest as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Sep 21 1940
Poster of Torrid Zone
Torrid Zone
James Wong Howe was 40 in Torrid Zone as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, May 18 1940
Poster of Saturday's Children
Saturday's Children
James Wong Howe was 40 in Saturday's Children as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, May 04 1940
Poster of Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet
Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet
James Wong Howe was 40 in Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Feb 23 1940
Poster of Abe Lincoln in Illinois
Abe Lincoln in Illinois
James Wong Howe was 40 in Abe Lincoln in Illinois as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Feb 22 1940
Poster of Dust Be My Destiny
Dust Be My Destiny
James Wong Howe was 40 in Dust Be My Destiny as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Sep 16 1939
Poster of Daughters Courageous
Daughters Courageous
James Wong Howe was 39 in Daughters Courageous as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jun 23 1939
Poster of The Oklahoma Kid
The Oklahoma Kid
James Wong Howe was 39 in The Oklahoma Kid as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Mar 11 1939
Poster of They Made Me a Criminal
They Made Me a Criminal
James Wong Howe was 39 in They Made Me a Criminal as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Jan 21 1939
Poster of Comet Over Broadway
Comet Over Broadway
James Wong Howe was 39 in Comet Over Broadway as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Dec 03 1938
Poster of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
James Wong Howe was 38 in The Adventures of Tom Sawyer as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Feb 11 1938
Poster of Algiers
Algiers
James Wong Howe was 38 in Algiers as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jan 16 1938
Poster of The Prisoner of Zenda
The Prisoner of Zenda
James Wong Howe was 38 in The Prisoner of Zenda as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Sep 03 1937
Poster of Under the Red Robe
Under the Red Robe
James Wong Howe was 37 in Under the Red Robe as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, May 31 1937
Poster of Fire Over England
Fire Over England
James Wong Howe was 37 in Fire Over England as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Mar 05 1937
Poster of Farewell Again
Farewell Again
James Wong Howe was 37 in Farewell Again as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Tue, Jan 05 1937
Poster of Three Live Ghosts
Three Live Ghosts
James Wong Howe was 36 in Three Live Ghosts as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jan 10 1936
Poster of Whipsaw
Whipsaw
James Wong Howe was 36 in Whipsaw as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Dec 18 1935
Poster of Rendezvous
Rendezvous
James Wong Howe was 36 in Rendezvous as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Oct 25 1935
Poster of O'Shaughnessy's Boy
O'Shaughnessy's Boy
James Wong Howe was 36 in O'Shaughnessy's Boy as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Sep 27 1935
Poster of The Flame Within
The Flame Within
James Wong Howe was 35 in The Flame Within as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, May 17 1935
Poster of Mark of the Vampire
Mark of the Vampire
James Wong Howe was 35 in Mark of the Vampire as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Apr 26 1935
Poster of The Night Is Young
The Night Is Young
James Wong Howe was 35 in The Night Is Young as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jan 11 1935
Poster of Biography of a Bachelor Girl
Biography of a Bachelor Girl
James Wong Howe was 35 in Biography of a Bachelor Girl as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jan 04 1935
Poster of Have a Heart
Have a Heart
James Wong Howe was 35 in Have a Heart as 'Camera Operator'.
Movie Released: Fri, Sep 07 1934
Poster of Stamboul Quest
Stamboul Quest
James Wong Howe was 34 in Stamboul Quest as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Jul 13 1934
Poster of The Thin Man
The Thin Man
James Wong Howe was 34 in The Thin Man as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, May 25 1934
Poster of Hollywood Party
Hollywood Party
James Wong Howe was 34 in Hollywood Party as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, May 24 1934
Poster of Manhattan Melodrama
Manhattan Melodrama
James Wong Howe was 34 in Manhattan Melodrama as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, May 04 1934
Poster of Viva Villa!
Viva Villa!
James Wong Howe was 34 in Viva Villa! as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Apr 27 1934
Poster of The Show-Off
The Show-Off
James Wong Howe was 34 in The Show-Off as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Mar 09 1934
Poster of The Power and the Glory
The Power and the Glory
James Wong Howe was 34 in The Power and the Glory as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Oct 06 1933
Poster of Beauty for Sale
Beauty for Sale
James Wong Howe was 34 in Beauty for Sale as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Sep 01 1933
Poster of Hello, Sister!
Hello, Sister!
James Wong Howe was 33 in Hello, Sister! as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Apr 14 1933
Poster of Chandu the Magician
Chandu the Magician
James Wong Howe was 32 in Chandu the Magician as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Thu, Aug 04 1932
Poster of Man About Town
Man About Town
James Wong Howe was 32 in Man About Town as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, May 22 1932
Poster of Young America
Young America
James Wong Howe was 32 in Young America as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 17 1932
Poster of Amateur Daddy
Amateur Daddy
James Wong Howe was 32 in Amateur Daddy as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Apr 10 1932
Poster of After Tomorrow
After Tomorrow
James Wong Howe was 32 in After Tomorrow as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Mar 06 1932
Poster of Shanghai Express
Shanghai Express
James Wong Howe was 32 in Shanghai Express as 'Additional Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Feb 12 1932
Poster of Dance Team
Dance Team
James Wong Howe was 32 in Dance Team as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jan 17 1932
Poster of Surrender
Surrender
James Wong Howe was 32 in Surrender as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Dec 06 1931
Poster of The Yellow Ticket
The Yellow Ticket
James Wong Howe was 32 in The Yellow Ticket as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Oct 30 1931
Poster of The Spider
The Spider
James Wong Howe was 32 in The Spider as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Sep 23 1931
Poster of Transatlantic
Transatlantic
James Wong Howe was 31 in Transatlantic as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Wed, Aug 19 1931
Poster of The Criminal Code
The Criminal Code
James Wong Howe was 31 in The Criminal Code as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Jan 03 1931
Poster of Today
Today
James Wong Howe was 31 in Today as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Nov 01 1930
Poster of The Inevitable Urge
The Inevitable Urge
James Wong Howe was 30 in The Inevitable Urge as 'Director'.
Movie Released: Sun, Jun 01 1930
Poster of Desert Nights
Desert Nights
James Wong Howe was 29 in Desert Nights as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Mar 09 1929
Poster of The Perfect Crime
The Perfect Crime
James Wong Howe was 28 in The Perfect Crime as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Aug 04 1928
Poster of Laugh, Clown, Laugh
Laugh, Clown, Laugh
James Wong Howe was 28 in Laugh, Clown, Laugh as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Apr 14 1928
Poster of Sorrell and Son
Sorrell and Son
James Wong Howe was 28 in Sorrell and Son as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Dec 02 1927
Poster of The Rough Riders
The Rough Riders
James Wong Howe was 28 in The Rough Riders as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Fri, Sep 30 1927
Poster of Padlocked
Padlocked
James Wong Howe was 26 in Padlocked as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Aug 02 1926
Poster of Mantrap
Mantrap
James Wong Howe was 26 in Mantrap as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Jul 24 1926
Poster of Not So Long Ago
Not So Long Ago
James Wong Howe was 26 in Not So Long Ago as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Sep 07 1925
Poster of The Charmer
The Charmer
James Wong Howe was 25 in The Charmer as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Apr 20 1925
Poster of Peter Pan
Peter Pan
James Wong Howe was 25 in Peter Pan as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Dec 29 1924
Poster of The Side Show of Life
The Side Show of Life
James Wong Howe was 24 in The Side Show of Life as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Mon, Jul 21 1924
Poster of The Breaking Point
The Breaking Point
James Wong Howe was 24 in The Breaking Point as 'Cinematography'.
Movie Released: Sun, May 04 1924
Poster of The Call of the Canyon
The Call of the Canyon
James Wong Howe was 24 in The Call of the Canyon as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Dec 16 1923
Poster of The Spanish Dancer
The Spanish Dancer
James Wong Howe was 24 in The Spanish Dancer as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sat, Oct 06 1923
Poster of To the Last Man
To the Last Man
James Wong Howe was 24 in To the Last Man as 'Director of Photography'.
Movie Released: Sun, Sep 23 1923
Poster of The Siren Call
The Siren Call
James Wong Howe was 23 in The Siren Call as 'Second Assistant Camera'.
Movie Released: Sun, Sep 17 1922

TV Shows (As Crew)

Sorted by Release Date
Ages in TV shows are based off the first air date and may not be accurate. View individual episode details for accurate ages
Poster of 87th Precinct
87th Precinct
James Wong Howe was 62+ in 87th Precinct as 'Director'.
TV Show Released: First Air Date
Mon, Sep 25 1961
Poster of Checkmate
Checkmate
James Wong Howe was 61+ in Checkmate as 'Director'.
TV Show Released: First Air Date
Sat, Sep 17 1960