Shanghai Surprise 1986
Directed by
Jim Goddard
Made by
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Shanghai Surprise (1986). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In 1938 Shanghai, amidst the chaos of the Japanese occupation, Glendon Wasey (Sean Penn), an American traveling salesman fluent in Chinese, finds himself drawn into an urgent mission. He is approached by British Salvation Army missionaries, Mr. Burns (Michael Aldridge) and Gloria Tatlock (Madonna), who seek his help in locating Wu Ch’En She, the father of a wounded soldier. Initially, Gloria is put off by Glendon’s careless demeanor, reckless language, and his struggles with alcohol, yet she recognizes his understanding of the local culture.
Their search quickly leads to trouble when a mob of local men confronts them. Justin Kronk (Philip Sayer), a European gentleman, pursues them but they manage to escape in rickshaws. Kronk claims that he can locate Wu Ch’En She, who is rumored to be in debt to various gamblers. For a fee, he introduces them to Ho Chong (Victor Wong), an insurance agent who has insights into Wu Ch’En She’s whereabouts. However, Ho Chong misleads them, leading them onto a fishing vessel where they are trapped in a cargo hold filled with live fish—a harrowing message from the ominous Red Society.
While recuperating at the communal baths, Glendon is informed by Kronk that Wu Ch’En She has no sons, and that the fish was a signal. Confronted by Gloria, she reveals her true motivation: she needs morphine for the soldiers and seeks to reclaim opium stolen by Wu Ch’En She from the opium king, Walter Faraday. Glendon, aware of Faraday’s murder at the hands of local criminals, is reluctant to get embroiled in the situation; but Gloria’s mention of Mr. Burns holding his supply of glow-in-the-dark neckties pushes him towards complicity.
Mr. Burns, feeling responsible for Glendon’s predicament, gives him a one-way ticket to Los Angeles along with some cash for new clothes. Gloria invites him to a duck dinner, where they are soon joined by journalist Willie Tuttle (Richard Griffiths), an expert on Faraday’s dealings. Willie shares a story from the night of Faraday’s demise, detailing how he witnessed five crates of premium opium. Despite initial hesitation, and under pressure from Gloria, Glendon agrees to meet Faraday’s concubine, China Doll.
After spending the night with China Doll, Glendon returns to his hotel room to face a disappointed Gloria, who pressures him for information. During a particularly tense moment, Gloria cleans his wounds, revealing her concern. As he refuses to see China Doll again, Gloria seduces him, leading to feelings of guilt that prompt her to set him free from their arrangement.
In a troubling twist, it’s revealed that China Doll connected Wu Ch’En She with a tycoon, Joe Go, who has switched the opium for bricks and a small ball of opium. After learning valuable clues about reuniting with Wu Ch’En She, complications ensue with the reappearance of Kronk, who continues to demand payment for information. Amidst escalating chaos, Gloria and Glendon find themselves trapped by gangsters—but not before uncovering that corrupt officer Mei Gan (Kay Tong Lim) has his own interests in Faraday’s opium.
In a climactic confrontation, Gloria and Glendon manage to reclaim their jewels, only to discover Faraday’s deceit—he reveals the jewels are fakes and makes nefarious plans to ensure Glendon’s involvement. After a series of narrow escapes, they find themselves reunited with Mr. Burns, who frees them from Faraday’s influence. The final moments see Glendon and Gloria standing united at the docks, as they thwart Faraday’s schemes and uncover hidden opium among Glendon’s ties. As the ship sails away, their future together begins to take shape, hinting at the adventure ahead.
Timeline
Track the key events of Shanghai Surprise (1986) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction of Glendon Wasey
In 1938 Shanghai, Glendon Wasey, an American traveling salesman fluent in Chinese, finds himself amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Japanese occupation. His casual demeanor and struggles with alcohol lead to misunderstandings as he becomes drawn into a mission with British missionaries.
Meeting the British Missionaries
Glendon is approached by British Salvation Army missionaries, Mr. Burns and Gloria Tatlock, who entreat him to help them locate Wu Ch'En She, the father of a wounded soldier. Despite Gloria's initial reservations about Glendon, his cultural understanding makes him the right person for their urgent quest.
Confrontation with Local Men
Their search quickly leads into danger when a mob of local men confronts Glendon and the missionaries. With little choice, they escape in rickshaws, but their troubles are not over as they are pursued by a European gentleman named Justin Kronk.
Introduction of Justin Kronk
Kronk claims to know the whereabouts of Wu Ch'En She, who is tangled in debts with local gamblers. He offers to guide them, initiating a series of twists and turns as they delve deeper into Shanghai's underworld.
Misleading Information
Kronk introduces Glendon and Gloria to Ho Chong, an insurance agent with crucial insights about Wu Ch'En She's location. However, Ho Chong cunningly misleads them to a fishing vessel, where they find themselves imprisoned in a cargo hold filled with live fish.
Understanding the Signal
While recuperating at a communal bath, Glendon learns from Kronk that the fish was a distress signal and that Wu Ch'En She has no sons. This revelation shifts the focus of their mission and complicates their goals.
Gloria's True Intentions Revealed
Confronted by Gloria, Glendon discovers her real reason for seeking Wu Ch'En She: she needs morphine for injured soldiers. This revelation reveals the stakes of their journey, as they get entangled in a dangerous web involving opium.
Glimpse of Faraday's Secrets
During a duck dinner with Gloria, they meet Willie Tuttle, who shares chilling tales about Walter Faraday's dealings. His eyewitness account from the night of Faraday's murder lays bare the criminal undercurrents beneath their mission.
Meeting with China Doll
Despite his hesitation, Glendon agrees to meet Faraday's concubine, China Doll. Their encounter becomes a turning point as Glendon struggles with his loyalties and budding feelings for Gloria.
Tensions Rise Between Glendon and Gloria
Upon returning from his night with China Doll, Glendon faces Gloria's disappointment. A heated moment ensues as she bandages his wounds, revealing a complex relationship fueled by both desire and concern.
The Importance of Joe Go
A critical twist occurs when it's discovered that China Doll has connected Wu Ch'En She with tycoon Joe Go, who has tampered with the opium trade. This new lead drives Gloria and Glendon to confront escalating challenges.
Encountering Gangsters and Corruption
Glendon and Gloria find themselves trapped by gangsters who threaten their mission. They uncover the corrupt dealings of officer Mei Gan, whose interests align with Faraday's opium, heightening their perilous situation.
The Climactic Confrontation
In a tense showdown, Gloria and Glendon reclaim their stolen jewels, only to discover they are fakes. Faraday's deceit is revealed, pulling them further into a dangerous game that tests their resolve.
Escape and Reunion
After a harrowing escape, Glendon and Gloria reunite with Mr. Burns, who helps them break free from Faraday's grasp. Their collaboration leads to a critical turning point, allowing them to thwart Faraday's schemes.
A New Beginning
As the ship sails away, Glendon and Gloria stand united, with their future stretching before them. They have forged a significant bond through their shared trials, hinting at new adventures on the horizon.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Shanghai Surprise (1986) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Glendon Wasey
Glendon Wasey is an American traveling salesman whose charm is overshadowed by his reckless tendencies and struggles with alcohol. Fluent in Chinese, he possesses a unique understanding of the local culture, which proves invaluable amidst the chaos of Shanghai. Throughout the film, he grapples with his motivations, loyalty to Gloria, and the dangers that surround them, ultimately leading him to make difficult choices.
Gloria Tatlock
Gloria Tatlock is a determined British Salvation Army missionary whose initial disdain for Glendon's carefree attitude evolves into a complex relationship. Driven by a fierce sense of duty to obtain morphine for wounded soldiers, she reveals a resourceful and resilient spirit. Her interactions with Glendon illuminate her struggles with morality and the choices she must make amidst dire circumstances.
Wu Ch'En She
Wu Ch'En She is a pivotal character, though mainly discussed rather than seen, representing the tangled web of debt and the underworld of Shanghai. As the father of a wounded soldier, his past involvement in the opium trade complicates the protagonists' search for him. His actions and reputation influence the direction of the plot significantly.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Shanghai Surprise (1986), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
1938
The year 1938 is marked by the rising threat of war, with many nations facing political tensions and conflicts. In Shanghai, the atmosphere is charged with uncertainty as local residents and foreign nationals navigate the complexities of occupation and survival. This historical backdrop intensifies the urgency of Glendon and Gloria's mission.
Location
Shanghai
Shanghai in 1938 is a bustling metropolis filled with diverse cultures and political unrest, particularly due to the Japanese occupation. The city is a blend of East and West, known for its vibrant streets and complex social dynamics. Amidst this chaos, the struggle for power and survival plays a central role in the adventures of Glendon and Gloria.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Shanghai Surprise (1986). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Conflict
Conflict arises on multiple levels in 'Shanghai Surprise,' from personal struggles to the broader geopolitical tensions of the time. The protagonists must confront their own vulnerabilities while navigating external threats from both local criminal elements and corrupt authorities. The ongoing fight for survival and moral integrity remains central to their journey.
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Addiction
Addiction, particularly to opium, is a critical theme that weaves through the narrative. Gloria's quest for morphine highlights the dark underbelly of drug trade, and it reflects both the desperation and challenges of wartime conditions. The allure and dangers of addiction are portrayed through the characters' interactions with opium-related challenges.
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Love
The theme of love complicates the plot as Glendon and Gloria navigate their feelings amidst chaos. Their evolving relationship, marked by tension and attraction, adds depth to their characters and raises questions about loyalty and sacrifice in dire circumstances. Love serves as both a motivation and a source of internal conflict for the two.
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