Question 1

Why do the extras in Shanghai Express speak Cantonese instead of Mandarin?

Accepted Answer

Most Chinese residents in the Los Angeles area who worked as film extras spoke Cantonese, so director Josef von Sternberg used Cantonese for practicality, even though Mandarin would have been more accurate for the setting.

Question 2

How did director Josef von Sternberg intentionally reflect the train journey in the film's style?

Accepted Answer

Josef von Sternberg designed the film to mirror the rhythm of a train journey, resulting in a tight pace and staccato quality in the dialogue.

Question 3

Why was Shanghai Express initially banned in China?

Accepted Answer

China initially banned the film and demanded its withdrawal from worldwide circulation, lifting the ban only when Paramount pledged not to make another film involving Chinese politics.

Question 4

What is the central conflict during the train journey in Shanghai Express?

Accepted Answer

A beautiful temptress re-kindles an old romance while trying to escape her past during a tension-packed train journey.

Question 5

Which major film festivals or awards recognized Shanghai Express?

Accepted Answer

Shanghai Express was recognized at the Academy Awards in 1932 and the Berlin International Film Festival in 2014.

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Shanghai Express

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