CAM visit/Arthur Dong talk

I went to the Chinese American Museum this morning to meet staffers Dora and Pauline, as well as filmmaker Arthur Dong, whom I'll be interviewing before and after his latest movie, Hollywood Chinese, screens tomorrow night. To be honest, I wasn't that worried about the Q&A, but I did want to check out the museum's exhibit that has been built around his documentary of the same name. The movie shows the treatment of Chinese Americans in Hollywood movies from Charlie Chan to The Joy Luck Club. But the topic isn't something that Arthur arrived at just to make a movie. The Flower Drum Song program in Chinese that he picked up from a S.F. theater during childhood, which is actually part of the exhibit, shows that he's been a collector and observer his entire life. The film is just an extension of it, and the exhibit bridges the two.


The artifacts range from old to new, high to low. Above, cinematographer James Wong Howe's Oscar among vintage Yellow Peril and Suzie Wong paraphernalia. Below, Chinese exotica including Big Trouble in Little China action figures.


One of my favorite sections is a hallway. It features Mexican lobbycards with amazing painted artwork and posters from two relatively obscure Westerns. It's an awesome use of space for stuff that could have been distractions in the main rooms.


The biggest star besides Charlie Chan is Fu Manchu. The media guide for The Fiendish Plot of Fu Manchu is incredible. Among other things, it suggests to theater owners to have employees dress up in Chinky gear and have local radio stations to announce the "Fu Manchu time" on the hour with a gong.


I have way too many questions to ask in the two brief slots that Arthur and I are being given tomorrow night, but I'll try my best. Yes, the CAM website has an RSVP listing but attendees will not be limited to people with reservations. The movie is informative and fun, Arthur is a smart and interesting guy, the event is free, and there will be refreshments. Hope to see you there.