The Shanghai Gesture

Doctor Omar, a gigolo, bribes the Shanghai police to prevent Dixie Pomeroy, a broke American showgirl, from being jailed. He then invites her to work at the casino owned by Gin Sling, the powerful casino boss. This event establishes his connection to the Shanghai criminal underworld and introduces Dixie’s precarious situation.

At the casino, Dixie encounters a young, privileged woman named Poppy Smith, who is new from Europe and seeking excitement. Poppy quickly becomes involved with Omar, and her obsession with gambling and alcohol begins, revealing her vulnerable and rebellious nature.

Gin Sling receives notice that her casino must move to the less desirable Chinese sector within five or six weeks, coinciding with Chinese New Year. Confident in her influence, she orders her staff to investigate her opponent, Sir Guy Charteris, a wealthy Englishman interested in her property.

Gin Sling learns that Charteris, previously known as Victor Dawson, has a history with her. He had married her years earlier, abandoned her, and taken her inheritance, leaving her destitute. This revelation fuels her desire for revenge and motivates her to find out more about him.

Victoria, the daughter of Charteris, arrives in Shanghai, and Poppy quickly falls in love with Omar. Victoria’s presence adds complexity, as she openly mocks her father and shows her attraction to Omar, creating tensions among the characters.

Initially refusing, Charteris changes his mind and attends Gin Sling’s Chinese New Year dinner. There, Gin Sling exposes his disgraceful past, revealing her knowledge of his previous marriage and her own history with him.

During the dinner, Charteris privately instructs Howe to deliver a £20,000 check to Gin Sling and confesses that the funds she claims he took are actually in her name. Victoria defiantly returns to the party, and Charteris decides to reveal a shocking truth: Victoria is Gin Sling’s missing baby, alive and raised far from China.

Gin Sling confronts Victoria about their true relationship but is mocked and insulted. In a passionate rage, she shoots Victoria dead, revealing her motherly love and desperation. This tragic climax highlights her complex character and deep-seated pain.

Outside, the muscle-bound coolie, standing with Charteris, comments bitterly, 'you likee Chinese New Year?', as Charteris comprehends the brutal reality of Gin Sling’s actions and her inability to escape her past or her revenge.