In Peking, China, during a civil war, British Capt. Donald Harvey (Clive Brook) meets his old flame Magdalen (Marlene Dietrich) and learns with dismay that she has become a prostitute known as Shanghai Lily. Both are traveling to Shanghai via train, and while they grow reacquainted, they remain unaware that they are traveling with spy and rebel army leader Henry Chang (Warner Oland). On Chang's orders, his forces attack the train, terrorize the passengers and hold Donald hostage.
Release date: February 12, 1932 (USA)
Director: Josef von Sternberg
Cinematography: Lee Garmes, James Wong Howe
Distributed by: Paramount Pictures
Based on: "Sky Over China" (also known as "China Pass"); by Harry Hervey
Box office: $1.5 million (worldwide rentals)
PS Von Sternberg is particularly noted for his distinctive mise en scène, use of lighting and soft lens, and seven-film collaboration with actress Marlene Dietrich who was also his lover, among many other men.
