Shanghai Surprise

In 1938 Shanghai, Glendon Wasey, an American traveling salesman fluent in Chinese, finds himself amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Japanese occupation. His casual demeanor and struggles with alcohol lead to misunderstandings as he becomes drawn into a mission with British missionaries.

Glendon is approached by British Salvation Army missionaries, Mr. Burns and Gloria Tatlock, who entreat him to help them locate Wu Ch'En She, the father of a wounded soldier. Despite Gloria's initial reservations about Glendon, his cultural understanding makes him the right person for their urgent quest.

Their search quickly leads into danger when a mob of local men confronts Glendon and the missionaries. With little choice, they escape in rickshaws, but their troubles are not over as they are pursued by a European gentleman named Justin Kronk.

Kronk claims to know the whereabouts of Wu Ch'En She, who is tangled in debts with local gamblers. He offers to guide them, initiating a series of twists and turns as they delve deeper into Shanghai's underworld.

Kronk introduces Glendon and Gloria to Ho Chong, an insurance agent with crucial insights about Wu Ch'En She's location. However, Ho Chong cunningly misleads them to a fishing vessel, where they find themselves imprisoned in a cargo hold filled with live fish.

While recuperating at a communal bath, Glendon learns from Kronk that the fish was a distress signal and that Wu Ch'En She has no sons. This revelation shifts the focus of their mission and complicates their goals.

Confronted by Gloria, Glendon discovers her real reason for seeking Wu Ch'En She: she needs morphine for injured soldiers. This revelation reveals the stakes of their journey, as they get entangled in a dangerous web involving opium.

During a duck dinner with Gloria, they meet Willie Tuttle, who shares chilling tales about Walter Faraday's dealings. His eyewitness account from the night of Faraday's murder lays bare the criminal undercurrents beneath their mission.

Despite his hesitation, Glendon agrees to meet Faraday's concubine, China Doll. Their encounter becomes a turning point as Glendon struggles with his loyalties and budding feelings for Gloria.

Upon returning from his night with China Doll, Glendon faces Gloria's disappointment. A heated moment ensues as she bandages his wounds, revealing a complex relationship fueled by both desire and concern.

A critical twist occurs when it's discovered that China Doll has connected Wu Ch'En She with tycoon Joe Go, who has tampered with the opium trade. This new lead drives Gloria and Glendon to confront escalating challenges.

Glendon and Gloria find themselves trapped by gangsters who threaten their mission. They uncover the corrupt dealings of officer Mei Gan, whose interests align with Faraday's opium, heightening their perilous situation.

In a tense showdown, Gloria and Glendon reclaim their stolen jewels, only to discover they are fakes. Faraday's deceit is revealed, pulling them further into a dangerous game that tests their resolve.

After a harrowing escape, Glendon and Gloria reunite with Mr. Burns, who helps them break free from Faraday's grasp. Their collaboration leads to a critical turning point, allowing them to thwart Faraday's schemes.

As the ship sails away, Glendon and Gloria stand united, with their future stretching before them. They have forged a significant bond through their shared trials, hinting at new adventures on the horizon.