Movie spotlight
Shanghai Madness
In the 1920s Pat Jackson destroys a Chinese post and is discharged from the Navy. Li Po Chang hires him to run a gunboat up the river. He drops Wildeth off at a mission for safety, but when his boat returns the mission is being attacked by communists.
Insights
Plot Summary
A wealthy young socialite, trying to avoid an arranged marriage, elopes with a handsome but penniless aviator. Their adventures lead them to Shanghai, where they become entangled in intrigue and espionage. The couple must navigate a dangerous world of spies and double-crosses while trying to find their way back home.
Critical Reception
Shanghai Madness was a modest film that received mixed reviews upon its release. While some critics praised its adventurous plot and romantic elements, others found its pacing uneven and its story somewhat contrived. It was generally seen as a standard studio production of its era, offering light entertainment without significant critical acclaim.
What Reviewers Say
Entertaining escapist fare with a hint of danger.
The chemistry between the leads is a highlight.
Plot points can be predictable, but the exotic setting adds appeal.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce for this older film, but general sentiment for films of this type from the early 1930s suggests an appreciation for lighthearted adventure and romance, with occasional comments on the dated dialogue or plot.
Fun Fact
The film was shot at the RKO Studios lot, and its exotic Shanghai setting was largely created through studio sets and backdrops.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources