Shadows over Shanghai


1h 6m 1938

Film Details

Also Known As
Shadows over China, Shadows over China Seas, Thunder over China
Genre
Spy
Release Date
Oct 14, 1938
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Fine Arts Pictures
Distribution Company
Grand National Pictures, Inc.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 6m
Film Length
5,861ft (7 reels)

Synopsis

Peter Roma, who is carrying a precious amulet to San Francisco, is shot down over China by former Russian agent Igor Sargoza, who wants the amulet because it is the key to the release of five million dollars. Peter then entrusts the amulet to his sister Irene, who teaches at a Chinese mission, hoping that she will complete the journey for him. In Shanghai, at the beginning of her journey, Irene is almost kidnapped by Sargoza, but is rescued by brash young American newspaper photographer Johnny McGinty. When Irene learns that only American citizens can be evacuated from war-torn Shanghai, her friend Howard Barclay suggests that she arrange a marriage of convenience with McGinty, to which he agrees. Upon their wedding, however, Fuji Yokahama, the head of the Japanese secret service, alters a gift sent to her by a Chinese friend, a Mandarin incense burner, by filling it with dynamite. Sargoza lights the burner and is blown up. Yokahama, who thought that the amulet was in the burner, leaves, satisfied that it will not be used to claim the five million dollars to buy arms for China. After he leaves, it is revealed that Barclay, who is a Chinese agent, removed the amulet from the incense burner. Because the United States has recently banned munition shipments to warring nations, Barclay decides not to go to China, and lets Johnny and Irene, who by now want to make their marriage more than just a convenience, go on to San Francisco together.

Film Details

Also Known As
Shadows over China, Shadows over China Seas, Thunder over China
Genre
Spy
Release Date
Oct 14, 1938
Premiere Information
not available
Production Company
Fine Arts Pictures
Distribution Company
Grand National Pictures, Inc.
Country
United States

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 6m
Film Length
5,861ft (7 reels)

Quotes

Trivia

Notes

According to news items and production charts, working titles for the film were, Thunder over China, Shadows over China Seas and Shadows over China. According to news items, this was the first film produced by Fine Arts Pictures to be released by the newly reorganized Grand National Films. Credits accompanying Motion Picture Herald's review of the film incorrectly identify art director Ralph Berger the assistant director.