The White Countess

In 1936, Countess Sofia Belinskaya finds herself trapped in a grim reality, working as a taxi dancer and prostitute in a rundown bar in Shanghai. This perilous job is not just to survive herself, but to support her family of aristocratic White Russian émigrés.

Sofia juggles the disdain of her aristocratic family, who reject her profession and treat her with contempt. Only her daughter Katya stands by her, defending Sofia's choices in a world that has significantly changed since their emigration.

Sofia meets Todd Jackson, a former U.S. State Department official and a tragic figure who has lost much due to terrorist attacks. Their initial encounter occurs during Sofia's dance, where she warns him about the dangers surrounding the bar.

Motivated to change his fortune, Todd decides to gamble at a racetrack and is unexpectedly successful. This victory allows him to open a lavish nightclub, which he names 'The White Countess', envisioning it as a place for the affluent.

Todd invites Sofia to be the principal hostess at his new nightclub, recognizing her aristocratic background as an asset. After some contemplation, she agrees to this new venture, marking a significant shift in her life's trajectory.

As the nightclub becomes successful, an emotional bond grows between Todd and Sofia. Both are cautious to maintain a professional boundary despite the deepening connection they share amid the challenging situation in Shanghai.

The looming threat of the Second Sino-Japanese War disrupts the fragile peace in Shanghai. Sofia’s family seeks help from the French embassy to secure their escape, revealing the precariousness of their situation.

As her family plans their escape, Sofia realizes her status as a nightclub worker has affected her family's status. Determined to protect her daughter Katya, she agrees to let them leave without her, pretending she will follow later.

Feeling abandoned after being pushed out of her family's plans, Mr. Feinstein finds Sofia. He encourages her to reclaim Katya and join him and his wife for a flight to Macau, presenting a chance for escape.

Meanwhile, Todd faces pressure to leave Shanghai as well, urged by Mr. Matsuda. Despite the imminent threat, he feels a deep attachment to the nightclub and grapples with the idea of leaving everything behind.

As chaos erupts in Shanghai, Todd's chauffeur abandons him, leaving him vulnerable in the midst of turmoil. Fortunately, he is spotted by Mr. Feinstein, who is searching for Katya alongside Sofia.

Sofia, Todd, and Mr. Feinstein hasten to reach Sofia's family just before they board a ship to Hong Kong. Tensions rise as Sofia fights to retrieve Katya from the clutches of the family's objections.

In the climax of the narrative, Sofia insists that Todd must join them on their flight to Macau. After grappling with his feelings, he ultimately agrees, highlighting the bond that has formed between them against all odds.