The 400 Million
Synopsis
Joris Ivens’s wartime documentary of China’s resistance to the Japanese invasion, cross-cutting civilian exodus and bombing with the Nationalist state’s mobilization—schools, industry, dispersed war production, foreign relief—and guerrilla fighting. Framing an ancient nation of “400 million,” it contrasts tradition with modernization and closes on the unresolved question of victory.
Top Cast
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Fredric March
Narration (voice)
Morris Carnovsky
Additional Voice (voice)
Sidney Lumet
Additional Voice (voice)
Robert Q. Lewis
Additional Voice (voice)
Alfred Ryder
Additional Voice (voice)
Adelaide Bean
Additional Voice (voice)
Lai Sek
Himself (archive footage)
Madame Chiang
Herself (archive footage)
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 7, 1939
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Joris Ivens, John Fernhout
- Screenplay & Story
- Dudley Nichols, Joris Ivens
- Original Score
- Hanns Eisler
- Original Title
- The 400 Million
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Cantonese, English
- Runtime
- 54m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Joris Ivens, John Fernhout
Dudley Nichols, Joris Ivens
Hanns Eisler
John Fernhout, Robert Capa, Joris Ivens
Helen van Dongen
Department Leadership Roster
Joris Ivens
Director
Helen van Dongen
Editor
Dudley Nichols
Writer
Joris Ivens
Writer
John Fernhout
Director of Photography
Robert Capa
Director of Photography
John Fernhout
Director
Joris Ivens
Director of Photography
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The 400 Million.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The 400 Million
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The 400 Million about?
Joris Ivens’s wartime documentary of China’s resistance to the Japanese invasion, cross-cutting civilian exodus and bombing with the Nationalist state’s mobilization—schools, industry, dispersed war production, foreign relief—and guerrilla fighting. Framing an ancient nation of “400 million,” it contrasts tradition with modernization and closes on the unresolved question of victory.
Who directed The 400 Million?
The 400 Million was directed by Joris Ivens, John Fernhout.
Who stars in The 400 Million?
The principal cast of The 400 Million includes Fredric March, Morris Carnovsky, Sidney Lumet, Robert Q. Lewis, Alfred Ryder.
When was The 400 Million released and how long is it?
The 400 Million was released in 1939 with a total runtime of 54m.
Who composed the musical score for The 400 Million?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The 400 Million was composed by Hanns Eisler.