The Cinematography of Joseph H. August

Too often, the great cinematographers of Hollywood go unsung. And yet it is they who work in beams and shadows the way other artists do in clay or paint, molding light into ghostly chiaroscuro dreams that haunt and delight in equal measure.

Joseph H. August (1890-1947) was one of the finest of Hollywood's masters of light. His credits are numerous and varied, his imagery brilliant and unforgettable. He also was a Lieutenant Commander in the U.S. Navy in Word War II, serving his country with distinction. THEY WERE EXPENDABLE (1945) was one of the last films he lensed before being felled by a heart attack at the age of 57. It was also one of his best, a triumph of light and shadow pressed into the service of a marvelous director, John Ford.

The following video, then, is a homage to this pioneer of Hollywood cinematography, offered up in memory of his life and work with much appreciation and affection.

Joseph H. August -- American. Genius. Master of Light.
____________________

FOR CONSERVATIVE MOVIE LOVERS is the name of an ongoing series of written essays on cinema appearing at BIG HOLLYWOOD, a leading conservative website focused on reforming America's poisoned popular culture:

http://bighollywood.breitbart.com/author/lgrin/

Join conservative cinéaste Leo Grin as he journeys through the history of the greatest art form of our time, highlighting the intellectual, mythological, and cultural importance of the discipline from a right-wing perspective. Read penetrating essays on each film, explore a host of accompanying links to further reading, find information on buying and renting the discussed movies, and add your comments to the ongoing film-club discussion.

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[NewAgeDirector]

Great video keep up the good work.

[MX3516]

I found the background music information posting on the veiledchamber page (accessible by clicking their name above). It is "Nigel's Trip" from Farewell to the King by Basil Poledouris. Thanks very much for that information.

[MX3516]

A great movie. When I first saw it I wondered why Robert Montgomery was operating the boat unassisted in many scenes with his PT boat underway (compared with John Wayne, usually shown at a mock-up of the helm), then I found that he was a naval officer who had commended PT boats in World War Two. I would like to repeat the request for the name of the song featured in this clip, and if possible the artists performing it.

[expenguin67]

"They Were Expendable" is one of my favorite movies, always crediting John Ford's directing. But I now realize that it is Joseph H. August's brilliant cinematography which makes this film's images so indelible, every scene a masterpiece. Thank you for posting this.

[bachgen63]

Thank you for this magnificent tribute.

Black and white cinematography was such an art.

Joseph H. August was indeed a great artist.

[dorenhagen]

Name of beautiful sound track please. Thank you.