The Shanghai Gesture (1941): cast, story & where to watch

1941 · Film · ★ 6.3

The Shanghai Gesture poster

Released in 1941, The Shanghai Gesture is a thriller, drama and mystery film directed by Josef von Sternberg, running about 99 minutes. “Mystery-lure of the Far East!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. A gambling queen uses blackmail to stop a British financier from closing her Chinese clip joint.

Who’s in it. The Shanghai Gesture stars Gene Tierney as Victoria Charteris (aka "Poppy Smith"), Walter Huston as Sir Guy Charteris, Victor Mature as Doctor Omar and Ona Munson as 'Mother' Gin Sling, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.3/10, The Shanghai Gesture has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Shanghai Gesture page.

If you liked it. Fans of The Shanghai Gesture tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch The Shanghai Gesture (1941)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Shanghai Gesture change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is The Shanghai Gesture worth watching?
The Shanghai Gesture holds an audience score of 6.3 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller, drama and mystery. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in The Shanghai Gesture?
The Shanghai Gesture stars Gene Tierney, Walter Huston, Victor Mature, Ona Munson and Phyllis Brooks.
When was The Shanghai Gesture released?
The Shanghai Gesture was released in 1941, with a runtime of about 99 minutes.