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Poster for The Shanghai Gesture

The Shanghai Gesture

Seen it?

1941 | 99 min | Drama, Crime, Mystery, Romance

Saturday Specialearly rating

Why it’s a Saturday Special

It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
A natural pick for people who like their stories with a little danger and people who enjoy a knot in their stomach. Best on a quiet night when you're in the mood to feel something. Liked Glengarry Glen Ross or Laura? This is a good next one.
The mood
Tense, dark and gritty.
The pace
Quiet, then quietly devastating, at 1 hr 39 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1941: an older pace and style.
  • Skip it if you need something light and fast tonight.

A gambling queen uses blackmail to stop a British financier from closing her Chinese clip joint.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsStrong

    83% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsSolid

    Nominated for 2 Oscars.

  • Box office & staying powerBelow par

    $1 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 10K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Josef von Sternberg

  • Victor MatureDoctor Omar
  • Ona Munson'Mother' Gin Sling
  • Gene TierneyVictoria Charteris (aka "Poppy Smith")
  • Walter HustonSir Guy Charteris
  • Phyllis BrooksDixie Pomeroy
  • Albert BassermannVan Elst
  • Maria OuspenskayaThe Amah
  • Eric BloreCaesar Hawkins
  • Ivan LebedeffBoris
  • Mike MazurkiThe Coolie