Russell A. Cully Collection

Collection

Identifier: 1990-M-1-Cully

Staff Only

Content Description

Approximately 1,270 black and white photos of Peiping (Beijing), Soochow (Suzhou), Nanking (Nanjing), Shanghai, the Great Wall of China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Tsinanfu (Jinan), as well as of the ocean journey via San Francisco, Hawaii, and Yokohama, from 1933 to 1934. Most prints are approximately 3.25 by 4.75 inches. 496 of the prints are thumbnail sized, approximately 1.25 by 1.5 inches, which mostly correspond to the larger prints and have descriptions written on verso.

Most of photos of China were used as reference photos for the set and production design of The Good Earth (1937). These include photos of architecture and landmarks such as the Ming Dynasty tombs in Nanjing, the Forbidden City and Summer Palace in Beijing, as well as street scenes. Other photos depict Cully and the rest of The Good Earth's overseas film crew shooting and posing at landmarks.

Two postcards from Beijing and the Great Wall of China written to Russell Cully Jr.

The Good Earth souvenir program from the theatrical release of the film.

Embroidered three-quarters length robe from 1934.

Correspondence between Angi Ma Wong and Suellen Cheng regarding donation.

Dates

1933 - 1937
Majority of material found within 1933 - 1934

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open to researchers and to the public for access. Please contact the Chinese Historical Society of Southern California for more information.

Biographical / Historical

Russell Alexander Cully was a cinematographer and special effects artist born 8 April 1900 in San Pedro, California. His film credits include Citizen Kane (1941), It's a Wonderful Life (1946), and Out of the Past (1947).

He worked as a cameraperson for The Good Earth (1937). From December 1933 to July 1934, he traveled to China to shoot exterior shots as well as reference photos for the production design for the film. He documented his journey across the Pacific as well, traveling to Asia via the S.S. Monterey and S.S. President Wilson and back via the Tatsuta Maru.

Some sets from The Good Earth would be reused in Christine Sterling's China City.

He died 30 July 1990.

Extent

3.56 Linear Feet (1 3-inch flat file box and one 30x18x6 box.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Arrangement

Photos are physically arranged by size and then by location: San Francisco, Honolulu/Yokohama, Shanghai/Suzhou, Nanjing, Jinan, Beijing, Hong Kong, and Macau. Thumbnail prints are placed in plastic sheets, which hold twenty prints each. Other prints are placed in envelopes.

Condition Description

Photos are in good condition, with slight yellowing and no significant scratches. Rubber bands that hold some bundles of prints together have dried and have been removed. One of the larger prints is bent. Program has slight bends.