Set in post-World War II Shanghai, the film follows a group of expatriate Westerners detained by Communist authorities in the Waldorf Hotel. The captors, led by Major Ling Wu, aim to identify a suspected spy among the detainees. Dr. Dan Maynard, one of the captives, becomes intrigued by Rita King, a woman with mysterious privileges. As tensions rise, the detainees face psychological and physical challenges, leading to unexpected alliances and revelations. citeturn0search0
Genre: Film Noir, Crime
Director: Frank Lloyd
Frank Lloyd (1886–1960) was a Scottish-American film director, producer, and screenwriter. A pioneer in the film industry, he co-founded the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Lloyd directed numerous acclaimed films, including “Mutiny on the Bounty” (1935), for which he won an Academy Award for Best Director.
Star Cast:
- Ruth Roman as Rita King
- Edmond O’Brien as Dr. Dan Maynard
- Richard Jaeckel as ‘Knuckles’ Greer
- Barry Kelley as Ricki Dolmine
- Whit Bissell as Paul Grant
- Basil Ruysdael as Rev. Hollingsworth
- Marvin Miller as Colonel Zorek
- Yvette Duguay as Leah De Verno
- Paul Picerni as Emilio De Verno
- Isabel Randolph as Mrs. Merryweather
- Philip Ahn as Major Ling Wu
- Frances Rafferty as Mrs. Warren
- Frank Ferguson as Mr. Haljerson
- James Griffith as Carl Hoyt
- John Alvin as John Warren
- Frank Puglia as Mr. Chang
- Victor Sen Yung as Sun Lee
- Janine Perreau as Penny Warren
- Richard Loo as Officer
- Donald Curtis as Leader (uncredited)
- James Hong as Driver (uncredited)
- Beal Wong as Vendor (uncredited)
- Joseph Kim as Police Officer (uncredited)
- Weaver Levy as Sampan Captain (uncredited)
- Richard Wang as Policeman (uncredited)
- Tommy Lee as Policeman (uncredited)
- Eddie Lee as Policeman (uncredited)
Specific details about the film’s reception at the time of release are limited. However, “The Shanghai Story” is recognized as a notable entry in the film noir genre, appreciated for its atmospheric tension and ensemble cast.
Fun Facts:
- The film was produced and distributed by Republic Pictures, known for its low-budget films; however, “The Shanghai Story” was considered one of the company’s more prestigious releases.
- The sets were designed by art director William Flannery, contributing to the film’s authentic portrayal of post-war Shanghai.
- The movie is based on a novel by Lester Yard, adapted for the screen by Steve Fisher and Seton I. Miller.
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