Classics & Rarities

Description

China in the 1920s: In the midst of the civil war, the infamous “Shanghai Lily” (Marlene Dietrich) and her companion Hui Fei (Anna May Wong) in first class on the Shanghai Express, where they run into military doctor Captain Donald Harvey (Clive Brook), who had left her years earlier out of jealousy. During their journey together, Lily’s cool facade begins to melt, and the two grow closer again. But the train is stopped by rebels…
“The pinnacle of the Sternberg-Dietrich reign at Paramount, the fourth of their seven films together—excessive and extravagant. Without the studio being able to do anything to stop it, Sternberg lets the plot, dramaturgy, and morality crumble completely. He stages a story of light. The shimmering cross-fades seem endless as the train begins to move. The lace, veils, and feathers with which Marlene is adorned are breathtaking.” (Benjamin Henrichs) DIRECTOR: Josef von Sternberg
SCREENPLAY: Jules Furthman (based on a story by Harry Hervey)
CINEMATOGRAPHY: Lee Grames, James Wong Howe (black-and-white)
MUSIC: W. Franke Harling, Rudolph G. Kopp
CAST: Marlene Dietrich, Clive Brook, Anna May Wong, Warner Oland, Eugene Pallette, Lawrence Grant, Louise Closser Hale
RUNNING TIME: 1 hr 22 min. Original American version with German subtitles

Highlights

• Screening of "Shanghai Express" (1932)
• Directed by Josef von Sternberg
• Features Marlene Dietrich and Anna May Wong

General Information

The 19th Schaffhausen Film Series presents a classic film screening of "Shanghai Express," set in 1920s China. This black-and-white film showcases the intricate dynamics between characters aboard a train during a civil war, highlighting the talents of renowned director Josef von Sternberg.

Location

Bachstrasse 14, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland

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