James Wong Howe, ASC and star Samantha Eggar on the set of The Molly Maguires (1970)
During my formative days as a young assistant cameraman in New York, I experienced a minor impulse toward pursuing editing rather than camera. Fortunately, I found this book in a cutout bin at one of those hole-in-the-wall bookshops that used to be found on every block. It probably cost a dollar, but it was a seminal discovery. It immediately dispelled the thought of spending my life in musty rooms spinning dailies on an upright Moviola. And since then, I’ve never regretted that decision for a single moment!
Is anyone else familiar with this title? If so, did it have as profound an influence on you as it did me?
Charles Higham (1931-2012) was a prominent author and film writer. Despite some controversy over his contention that Errol Flynn was a Nazi sympathizer in his book, Errol Flynn: The Untold Story (1980), he made many contributions to the historical canon. Have a look at some of what he did. It’s definitely worth your time.
Yes, one of my favorites along with Maltin’s similar collection of interviews!