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Poster for Shanghai Express

Shanghai Express

Seen it?

1932 | 82 min | Drama, Romance, War

Friday Night Flick

Why it’s a Friday Night Flick

Critics loved it (96% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won an Oscar. Make plans for this one.

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

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for romantics and history buffs. If you loved Doctor Zhivago or Empire of the Sun, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Intense, warm and romantic.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 22 min.
What might put you off
  • Made in 1932: an older pace and style.
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

A beautiful temptress re-kindles an old romance while trying to escape her past during a tension-packed train journey.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    96% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    7.0 out of 10

  • AwardsStrong

    Won 1 Oscar: Best Cinematography. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars.

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactSolid

    About 46K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Josef von Sternberg

  • Marlene DietrichShanghai Lily
  • Clive BrookCaptain Donald 'Doc' Harvey
  • Anna May WongHui Fei
  • Warner OlandMr. Henry Chang
  • Eugene PalletteSam Salt
  • Lawrence GrantReverend Carmichael
  • Louise Closser HaleMrs. Haggerty
  • Gustav von SeyffertitzEric Baum
  • Émile ChautardMajor Lenard
  • George BlagoiMinor Role (uncredited)