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CRITERIA

A Criterion Channel Companion

© 2026 Criteria. Not affiliated with The Criterion Collection.

Backdrop for Shanghai Express

Poster for Shanghai Express

Shanghai Express

United States • English • 1932 • 1h 22m

This film is not currently available on the Criterion Channel

Director

Josef von Sternberg

Crime Drama History Romance War

#933Criterion Collection View Connections 3.72/5·25.9K ratings·6.4K reviewson Letterboxd

Synopsis

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

Included in
Pre-Code Paramount
Position 9
Included in
March 2023
Position 82
Included in
February 2021
Position 76
Included in
Marlene Dietrich & Josef Von Sternberg
Position 4

Part of Box Set

Dietrich & von Sternberg in Hollywood

#930 Criterion Collection

Credits

Crew

DirectorJosef von Sternberg

WriterJules Furthman

CinematographerLee Garmes

ComposerW. Franke Harling, John Leipold, Karl Hajos, Rudolph G. Kopp

EditorFrank Sullivan

Cast

Marlene Dietrichas Shanghai Lily

Clive Brookas Captain Donald 'Doc' Harvey

Anna May Wongas Hui Fei

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

Poster for Blonde Venus

Blonde Venus

1932

Poster for The Devil Is a Woman

The Devil Is a Woman

1935

Poster for Morocco

Morocco

1930

Articles

via Criterion Collection

The Birth of a Hollywood Bad GirlJul 9, 2018
Where Credit Is DueFarran Smith Nehme — Jul 2, 2018
The Devil Is in the DetailsGary Giddins — Jun 24, 2018

Shanghai Express (1932) | Criteria

Warner Olandas Mr. Henry Chang

Eugene Palletteas Sam Salt

Lawrence Grantas Reverend Carmichael

Louise Closser Haleas Mrs. Haggerty

Gustav von Seyffertitzas Eric Baum

Émile Chautardas Major Lenard

George Blagoias Minor Role (uncredited)

Leonard Careyas Carey (uncredited)

George Chungas Chinese Soldier (uncredited)

Wong Chungas Chinese Officer Checking Passports (uncredited)

Jack Deeryas British Officer at Shanghai (uncredited)

Herbert Evansas British Railway Officer (uncredited)

Willie Fungas Train Engineer (uncredited)

Tom Gubbinsas Chinese Officer (uncredited)

Forrester Harveyas Peiping Ticket Agent (uncredited)

Claude Kingas Mr. Albright (uncredited)

James B. Leongas A Rebel (uncredited)

Mistress of CeremoniesImogen Sara Smith — Jun 18, 2018

Lusty Pre-Code Hollywood in TucsonMar 21, 2019