Think Fast, Mr. Moto

Think Fast, Mr. Moto

Year: 1937

Runtime: 67 mins

Language: English

Director: Norman Foster

MysteryThrillerCrime

Meet Mr. Moto, a daring detective whose import‑export business is seized by an international diamond‑smuggling ring. He follows clues involving beautiful women, glittering gems and lethal assassins, traveling from San Francisco’s Chinatown to Shanghai’s alleys, and will stop at nothing—even the ultimate sacrifice—to bring the culprits to justice.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Think Fast, Mr. Moto yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century

The story is set in the early 20th century, a period marked by international espionage, smuggling, and political unrest. This era saw increased global trade and the presence of foreign powers in Asian ports like Shanghai, which played a key role in international intelligence activities.

Location

Shanghai, Honolulu

The movie takes place in the bustling international city of Shanghai and the tropical port city of Honolulu. Shanghai is portrayed as a hub of smuggling and intrigue, known for its vibrant urban life and economic significance. Honolulu serves as a transit point for travelers and has a relaxed, tropical atmosphere.

🏙️ Urban 🏝️ Tropical

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

Main Characters – Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937)

Meet the key characters of Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Mr. Moto (Peter Lorre)

Mr. Moto is a resourceful and intelligent secret agent skilled in disguise and martial arts. He is calm under pressure, perceptive, and dedicated to thwarting criminal activities. His tactical mind and bravery help him navigate dangerous situations.

🥋 Martial Arts 🕵️‍♂️ Spy 🤵 Disguise

Gloria Danton (Virginia Field)

Gloria is a beautiful woman secretly working as a spy for a smuggling operation. She is cautious, seductive, and conflicted, balancing her undercover role with personal feelings. Her character adds intrigue and complexity to the espionage plot.

🎭 Deception 🕶️ Spy 💃 Femme Fatale

Nicolas Marloff (Sig Ruman)

Marloff is the antagonist running a smuggling operation in Shanghai. He is cunning, ruthless, and manipulative, willing to go to great lengths to protect his illegal activities. His presence drives much of the conflict in the story.

🎩 Villain 💼 Crime 🥷 Smuggling

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

Major Themes – Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937)

Explore the central themes of Think Fast, Mr. Moto (1937), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage

The film revolves around espionage activities with undercover spies, secret messages, and covert operations. Characters are involved in deception and smuggling, highlighting themes of secrecy and deception that are central to spy thrillers.

🔥 Danger

Throughout the movie, characters face physical danger from confrontations, shootings, and betrayals. The constant threat of violence and the suspense of hidden enemies create a tense atmosphere, emphasizing the perilous nature of espionage work.

Last Updated: August 19, 2025 at 05:03

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Narrative Summary

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is straightforward: a heroic figure is drawn into a wide-reaching criminal conspiracy. The plot unfolds through a series of perilous encounters and discoveries across evocative settings, building tension towards a final showdown where the hero's resourcefulness ensures a victorious and morally unambiguous ending.

Why These Movies?

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Unlock the Full Story of Think Fast, Mr. Moto

Don't stop at just watching — explore Think Fast, Mr. Moto 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 Think Fast, Mr. Moto is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Think Fast, Mr. Moto Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Think Fast, Mr. Moto, 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.

Think Fast, Mr. Moto Summary

Think Fast, Mr. Moto Timeline

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

Think Fast, Mr. Moto Timeline

Think Fast, Mr. Moto Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of Think Fast, Mr. Moto 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.

Think Fast, Mr. Moto Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Think Fast, Mr. Moto

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More About Think Fast, Mr. Moto

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