Series 1: "Land of China", 1948-1951
- Scope and content:
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The films are the earliest of Weng's works included in the collection. Each of the films profiles a different Chinese city or town – specifically the four major cities listed in the film titles, and Changshu, the titular "Town by the Yangtze," Weng's hometown. Each film runs approximately 10 minutes long and features color footage shot silently and English-language narration. Research shows that the films were shot in China during Weng's visit to China in 1948 and released as educational films in the US beginning in 1951. Elements included in the collection are master picture elements for all five titles (single-roll reversal for the first four and A and B rolls for the last), master sound elements for all five titles, two release prints of Yangtze, and additional original footage from Peking, Hangchow, and Nanking. These films are almost certainly the most interesting in the collection from a historical perspective, as they were all shot in China in the interim between the end of World War II and the coming to power of the Communist regime. Filmed in vivid Technicolor, they depict street scenes, artistic and architectural highlights, and people at work, among other subjects. Titles include in this series: Peking, Marco Polo's Wonder／马可波罗的奇迹发现北平; Tientsin, Gateway to North China／北中国的门户天津; A Town by the Yangtze／扬子江边的小城; Hangchow, China's Garden City／园林城市杭州; Nanking, the Southern Capital／南方都会南京.
Contents
Access and use
- Parent restrictions:
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This collection is located off-site. You will need to request this material from the C.V. Starr East Asian Library at least 5 business days in advance to use the collection in the Rare Book and Special Collections reading room.
Unique time-based media items have been reformatted and are (available online / available onsite) via links in the container list. Commercial materials are not routinely digitized.
This collection has no restrictions.
- Parent terms of access:
- Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. The C.V. Starr East Asian Library maintains ownership of the physical material only. Copyright remains with the creator and his/her heirs. The responsibility to secure copyright permission rests with the patron.
- Location of this collection:
- Before you visit:
- Researchers should request materials at least one week in advance to ensure availability. Due to limited storage, please request only the materials you plan to use during your visit.
- Contact:
- starr@library.columbia.edu