Cast
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Ruth Roman
as Rita King
Edmond O'Brien
as Daniel Maynard
Richard Jaeckel
as 'Knuckles' Greer
Barry Kelley
as Ricki Dolmine
Whit Bissell
as Paul Grant
Basil Ruysdael
as Rev. Hollingsworth
Marvin Miller
as Colonel Zorek
Yvette Duguay
as Leah De Verno
Paul Picerni
as Emilio De Verno
Isabel Randolph
as Mrs. Merryweather
Philip Ahn
as Major Ling Wu
Frances Rafferty
as Mrs. Warren
Frank Ferguson
as Mr. Haljerson
James Griffith
as Carl Hoyt
John Alvin
as John Warren
Crew
Director
- Frank Lloyd
Producer
- Herbert J. Yates
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, The Shanghai Story examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Frank Lloyd brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1954, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Shanghai Story took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 90 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 113 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1542 individual shots.
- The musical score contains over 77 unique compositions.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1954, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Shanghai Story shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Lolita, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Shanghai Story offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Playing by Heart and In the Mood for Love explore similar territory, The Shanghai Story stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: September 1, 1954
- Runtime: 1h 30m
