Shanghai Express (1932)

An intoxicating mix of adventure, romance, and pre-Code salaciousness, Shanghai Express marks the commercial peak of an iconic collaboration. Marlene Dietrich is at her wicked best as Shanghai Lily, a courtesan whose reputation brings a hint of scandal to a three-day train ride through war-torn China. On board, she is surrounded by a motley crew of foreigners and lowlifes, including a fellow fallen woman (Anna May Wong), an old flame (Clive Brook), and a rebel leader wanted by the authorities (Warner Oland). As tensions come to a boil, director Josef von Sternberg delivers one breathtaking ima

Frequently asked questions

Where can I watch Shanghai Express for free?

You can stream Shanghai Express (1932) free and legally on OldReel, via the Internet Archive.

Is Shanghai Express in the public domain?

Yes — it is in the public domain and can be watched and shared freely.