The Shanghai Gesture

The Shanghai Gesture

Year: 1941

Runtime: 99 mins

Language: English

Director: Josef von Sternberg

DramaHumanity and the world around usTragic sadness and captivating beautyEngaging intense crime and casino dramaShow All…

Mystery-lure of the Far East! A gambling queen uses blackmail to stop a British financier from closing her Chinese clip joint.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Shanghai Gesture (1941)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Shanghai Gesture (1941). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

During Chinese New Year

The story is set around the time of Chinese New Year, a major cultural celebration in China marked by festivities, traditional customs, and significant social events. This period accentuates the theme of change and upheaval, as seen through the casino's threat of relocation and the events unfolding in the story.

Location

Shanghai, Chinese sector

Shanghai is a major port city in China known for its vibrant trade, modern skyline, and bustling nightlife. The Chinese sector of Shanghai referred to in the movie is a less desirable area, highlighting the social divides within the city. The city's setting plays a crucial role in the story's atmosphere of intrigue and corruption.

🏙️ Urban 🎲 Casino 🇨🇳 Chinese culture

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Main Characters – The Shanghai Gesture (1941)

Meet the key characters of The Shanghai Gesture (1941), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Doctor Omar

A charming yet morally ambiguous gigolo who manipulates situations to his advantage. He is a catalyst in the story, bridging the worlds of gambling, intrigue, and personal interest, with a knack for diplomacy and seduction.

💉 🎩 🎲

Dixie Pomeroy

An attractive American showgirl caught in a cycle of gambling and alcohol addiction. Her interactions reveal her vulnerability and desire for excitement, making her a pawn in the larger schemes around her.

🎤 🍸 💃

Gin Sling / Mother

A formidable casino owner known as 'The Dragon Lady,' she is driven by revenge and survival instincts. Her ruthless persona masks a complicated past and maternal desire, culminating in a tragic act of violence.

👩‍💼 🔥 🐉

Victoria / Poppy

A privileged woman from Europe who seeks excitement and validation. Her rebellious and materialistic traits lead her into dangerous emotional entanglements, and her true identity as Gin Sling's daughter is a pivotal revelation.

👩‍🎓 💖 💔

Sir Guy Charteris

A wealthy British entrepreneur with a dark past, whose attempt to erase his history triggers conflict. His actions are driven by guilt and the need for control, ultimately revealing his true motives.

💷 🕵️‍♂️ 🏦

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

Major Themes – The Shanghai Gesture (1941)

Explore the central themes of The Shanghai Gesture (1941), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Revenge

Revenge is a central theme, exemplified by Gin Sling's desire to retaliate against past betrayals and her ruthless pursuit of justice. The narrative explores how revenge drives characters' choices and impacts their destinies, culminating in a tragic climax.

💔 Deception

Deception permeates the story, from political manipulation to personal betrayals. Characters conceal their true motives, leading to misunderstandings and dramatic revelations, especially with the revelation that Victoria is Gin Sling's daughter.

💰 Greed

Greed influences key characters, notably Gin Sling and Poppy, who indulge in gambling and pursuit of wealth. The excessive desire for money ultimately results in destructive consequences, including violence and loss.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 04:49

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Unlock the Full Story of The Shanghai Gesture

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Shanghai Gesture in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Shanghai Gesture is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Shanghai Gesture Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Shanghai Gesture, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Shanghai Gesture Summary

The Shanghai Gesture Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Shanghai Gesture with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Shanghai Gesture Timeline

The Shanghai Gesture Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Shanghai Gesture that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Shanghai Gesture Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Shanghai Gesture

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Shanghai Gesture: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Shanghai Gesture