Episode 193 - Shanghai Express

"Shanghai Express" 1932 brings us the drama and danger facing several travelers on the train from Peking to Shanghai during the civil war in China. Director Josef von Sternberg builds an engaging film that has solid production values and the look of a more recent adventure movie. Our featured actor Anna May Wong is Hui Fei who plays a pivotal role that involves rebel leader Henry Chang played by Warner Oland. In addition to civil war the film centers on the love story between Marlene Dietrich as the beautiful and mysterious Shanghai Lily/Madeline and Clive Brook as Donald "Doc" Harvey the British Army Captain and Physician who is traveling to perform brain surgery on the Governor General of Shanghai. The intrigue deepens as government and rebel soldiers via for control of the train and the country. Lawrence Grant as Reverend Carmichael, Louise Closser Hale as Mrs. Haggerty and others round out the lead cast. The film captures the beauty and impressive acting talents of both Ms. Dietrich and Ms. Wong.