This is one of Marlene Dietrich's best movies. Here she and Josef von Sternberg really reached their peak together. Her Shanghai Lily character really embodies the type of character she played in all of these early von Sternberg movies. Plus, this movie clearly had an influence on later movies, like Stagecoach (1939). For more information on this movie, go to:
http://www.filmsite.org/shang.html
I saw it a few years ago and loved it. The Dietrich-von Sternberg films are always beautiful to watch. Marlene once again is stunning, and her performance is awesome.
I've seen almost all of the Dietrich-von Sternberg collaborations. Shanghai Express is my second favorite only to The Scarlet Empress. I wish this film was on DVD. It's time for me to see this one again.
"Dry your eyes baby, it's out of character."
For me, it's BY FAR the greatest Marlene movie AND performance EVER. It's a true shame it's not on DVD yet...
Miss Yvonne De Carlo ROCKS!!!
The previous posts are completely misleading. This film is instantly forgettable. The plot is boring, the acting is bland and if you've seen Team America you will be extremely put off by Captain Harvey as he sounds exactly like Spottswoode. Dietrich was an attractive and seductive woman but I don't care what anyone else may think, she couldn't act.
shareDisagree about the comments towards Dietrich's acting. She was solid here but the the material wasn't very good. The movie looks fantastic though, as does Dietrich, but there's nothing more to it. A better leading man might have made this a more compelling film though.
shareI would agree that Dietrich wasn't the best actress ever, but she had incredible presence. This was a great role for her.
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If that`s true, then it`s unfortunate - considering it`s ultimately such a bland, second rate melodrama about a hidden love between a German China-touring hoe and an arrogant British military as-hole. It`s excellently shot as one would expect, but the story is such a dull non-entity. 6/10 is plenty for this little number.
"facts are stupid things" - Ronald Reagan
Dietrich was a terrible actress at this point--she improved tremendously once she was away from von Sternberg--but she looks glorious and that's enough.
The leading man, Clive Brook, is even worse than Marlene--he is not glorious to look at, however.