Daughter of Shanghai is basically a B-movie sprint

Is it worth your time?

If you have seventy minutes and a soft spot for pre-war crime flicks, absolutely. It’s got that snappy, no-nonsense energy you don't really see anymore. But if you need high-budget polish or deep psychological dives, skip it. You will probably find it too rushed or just plain silly.

Anna May Wong is the only reason this thing works as well as it does. She just commands the screen without even trying. When she walks into a room, you stop worrying about the thin plot and just watch her move.

Notes from the couch

• The pacing is frantic. Characters basically teleport from one location to another just to keep the story chugging along.
• Anthony Quinn is here too, looking young and doing his best to act tough. It’s kinda charming in a way.
• There is a scene involving a nightclub that feels like it’s trying to be The Bluffer but with way less budget.
• Some of the dialogue is so fast it sounds like they were being charged by the minute.

I noticed a moment where the lead bad guy is explaining his whole plan to a room full of people who clearly don't care. It felt like watching an actor read a grocery list. Classic.

The whole smuggling ring subplot is pretty dark for 1937, though the movie keeps it surprisingly light. It’s like they were afraid to get their hands too dirty. It reminded me a bit of how They Won't Forget handled its heavier moments, but with less weight behind it.

Honestly, the best part is just watching the costumes. The hats alone are worth the price of admission. The lighting in the final act is super moody, all shadows and smoke, but the film stock is so grainy it looks like they were shooting through a screen door sometimes.

Don't overthink the logic gaps. If you start asking how she got into that warehouse, you’re gonna have a bad time. Just let it happen.

It’s not as ambitious as The King of Kings, obviously, but it’s not trying to be. It’s a B-movie sprint. I liked it more than I expected. Maybe it’s just the charm of seeing someone like Wong actually get a decent role for once.

Anyway, keep your expectations grounded. It’s a quick hit of old-school cinema, not a religious experience. 🎥