West of Shanghai (1937) User Reviews

West of Shanghai (1937) ***

[JoeKarlosi · 7/10 · 5 February 2013]

Attention All Fans Of Boris Karloff: if you have not yet watched this delightful Boris performance, you are missing a real treat! Sporting an effective Asian makeup, Karloff portrays robber General Wu Yen Fang, a dangerous tyrant in northern China with an endearing sense of humor. Fang seizes command and holds several visiting Americans prisoners, and it's a real pleasure watching the colorful general toying with them. Among the cast members is Ricardo Cortez, but the one to watch and who steals the show is Karloff himself. I would easily rank this role among his best ever; he played Asian parts a few times in his career, but this is the only time he's ever sold me completely on such a character, speaking in broken English and managing to disguise most of his own British accent here. Some of the most humorous scenes involve Fang's charming communication through his always-present trusty interpreter, trying to understand and shoot back some common Americanisms. In no time, Karloff makes us actually like and feel for this murderous criminal. At the time this movie was made, the production of the usual horror movies which Boris Karloff was so well known for were temporarily halted. I think that WEST OF SHANGHAI proves beyond a shadow of any doubt that Boris had no problem holding his own in non-scary character parts and would have gone on to succeed in other dramatic roles, had the ban on horror movies not ultimately been lifted. *** out of ****

Karloff shines in an atypical role

[tayandbay · 6/10 · 25 December 2004]

Fans of Boris Karloff should enjoy this B feature not because it is a great example of 1930's horror, but because it isn't. Made at a time when Hollywood had set a self-imposed moratorium on monster movies, "West of Shanghai" proves that Karloff could survive as a character star, delivering a well-conceived interpretation of a likable but mercenary Chinese warlord. He is a joy to watch, engaging his American captives in sardonic broken English, doling out his own brand of makeshift justice, and, at least in his own mind, exercising nobility as he faces execution. The rest of the cast is standard, except for Ricardo Cortez, who registers very well (as he did in Karloff's "The Walking Dead") as an attractive, well-polished heel. Director John Farrow sets a crisp pace and doesn't allow the film to drag. "West of Shanghai" may not be one of the best Karloff films, but his presence certainly makes it more than noteworthy.

Enjoyable with a great Karloff, wished it lasted longer

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 19 May 2013]

With me it has become a bit of a cliché to say that Boris Karloff is reason enough to see anything, even if the film is not that good(ie. The Invisible Menace). But I do genuinely mean that, he is a very magnetic actor who has the ability to show more than one side to his character in any film and do it well. He is great here as Fang, his accent is not the best but you forgive that immediately when he does sympathetic, humour and threatening with such aplomb with no overdoing or underplaying. His make-up and use of broken English is also very effective and just adds to the performance and character. Ricardo Cortez is appealing and works very well with him, but the rest of the cast do the job solidly enough but with not the command that Karloff shows and with not the perfectly pitched chemistry he and Cortez share(that with Richard Loo's Cheng is good too). It is a good-looking film, and has some funny dialogue exchanges, for example "What are they going to do with him"/"they're going to bury him", that make up for the moments where it does get a little too talky. The story moves crisply and maintains interest with a somewhat movingly dignified ending. I did wish that the length was longer though, 64 minutes does seem too short to me, but the film doesn't rush through or feel like the story is too thin to sustain the duration(the latter being a major problem with The Invisible Menace). To conclude, an enjoyable film and Karloff is great, a longer length, a stronger supporting cast and a little less talk(sometimes that is) would've made it even better perhaps though. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Boris Karloff Having Fun and Commanding the Movie

[LeonLouisRicci · 7/10 · 28 November 2015]

One of Director John Farrow's First Assignments is a Talk-Fest with many Amusing Takes on a Chinese Warlord, "I am Fang!", Boris Karloff repeatedly Recites to Everyone. He is Ruthless and Omnipresent. But He is not without some Fairness, "Doctor good, He help China poor."

Karloff Dominates the Preceding bringing Humor, Pathos, and Charm to a Brutal Tyrant. The Film is completely Centered Around Him and it would have Failed if Not for Karloff's Commanding Performance. Everything else, the Action and the Americans are Lackluster to Say the least.

Ricardo Cortez is simply Static. It has a Twist Ending that is Sad but Satisfying considering what Came Before. Above Average for Boris Karloff Having Fun with the Villainous Anti-Hero.

Karloff helps make this B movie an exception to the rule

[funkyfry · 6/10 · 24 October 2002]

Boris Karloff is a renegade Chinese warlord, with his mind set on military success and sex. Ricardo Cortez begins the film as the "romantic lead", but Karloff's character ends up being the more sympathetic of the two. This is a B movie that knows it, and it pretty much succeeds in everything it does attempt. Interesting parallel towards the end between Gordon Oliver's barely-missed execution and Karloff's more final one. Karloff's makeup does not convince, but his performance does; he brings humor and strength to the character.

Karloff's Pleasant Surprise

[boscofl · 6/10 · 11 August 2016]

A pleasant surprise, "West of Shanghai" is a Warner Brothers B movie that benefits entirely from the performance of Boris Karloff. Unlike his rival Bela Lugosi, who gave his all in even the most wretched films, Karloff is known for walking through movies that he probably deemed beneath him. For every "Frankenstein" or "The Body Snatcher" there are countless examples of him collecting a paycheck while performing monotonously or, even worse, overracting terribly. Thankfully this is not the case here. Perhaps realizing the absurdity of both the film and his role, Karloff has an absolute blast enacting Chinese warlord Wu Yen Fang. Complete with matted down black hair and slanted eyes, he is an absolute hoot in a performance that will make politically correct watchdogs wince.

The film itself moves very slowly despite the 64 minute running time. Karloff doesn't appear until almost 21 minutes in but once he does the story picks up dramatically. He alternately amuses, terrifies, extorts, and bewilders the cast around him. The supporting performances are pretty bland which probably enhances Karloff's lively turn. The only actor of note in a substantial role is Ricardo Cortez, famously cast as Sam Spade in the 1931 version of "The Maltese Falcon," who finds himself on the wrong end of Fang's justice.

The only reason the film is watchable today is Karloff. He has so many hilarious bits that I scarcely know where to begin. While attempting to seduce the heroine, trading barbs with another saucy ingenue, extorting money from an oil company bigwig in a routine worthy of Abbott and Costello, or praising himself by announcing "I am Fang!" whenever someone questions his audaciousness, Boris is just delightful. His final comment to sidekick Richard Loo before they are executed will have anyone rolling on the floor with laughter. If anyone is frustrated by Karloff's colorless turns in so many mediocre horror films of the 30's and 40's this is the film to watch.

Good film with excellent chemistry.

[jims99ers · 7/10 · 16 February 2004]

I thought this was a well done movie. A group of Americans become in control of Fang, but while Fang is a killer(he decides who is good or bad), he befriends one of them because of a past experience. You become to like Boris Karloff character,General Fang. The chemistry between General Fang and Mr. Cheng is great and funny at times also. Ricardo Cortez does a good job fighting off Fang as Gordon Creed. Actually the fighting is usually with words and not action. Karloff does a great job of making this so-so movie better. I will give this film a 7.5 out of 10.

So bad he's good

[drjgardner · 2/10 · 19 December 2015]

Boris Karloff plays another of his Asian roles in this film (e.g., Fun Manchu, "Charlie Chan at the Opera", "Mr. Wong, Detective"), but this time he is in full gear. This is his campiest performance yet, not merely to the broken English but to facial makeup and appliances that must have been used by Marlon Brando decades later in "Viva Zapata". His dialogue is a hoot, especially the caustic interactions between Kang and Mrs. Creed (Beverly Roberts). It is literally so bad that it's good. Look for the ever present Richard Loo who plays Kang's aide. Loo was Master Sun (the Weapons Master) in the TV series "Kung Fu" and appeared in more than 100 films.

not bad

[sore_throat · 6/10 · 12 June 2002]

This somewhat obscure film is helped by a quick running time and the presence of Karloff. On the downside it is overly talky and the few battle scenes it has are generic.

The script is decent though, and my interest in the film was undoubtedly bolstered a bit because I find contemporary Chinese history to be intriguing (not that this is a textbook reproduction of the period. :)

6/10. I wouldn't recommended it, but at the same time I feel it is above average with everything considered.

"I am Fang!"

[bensonmum2 · 4/10 · 25 November 2015]

A group of Americans head to a remote part of China to obtain lucrative oil rights. When a warlord named General Wu Yen Fang invades the village they are staying in, it's no longer just a fight for oil - it's now a fight for life.

I'm really surprised to read all the positive, glowing reviews for West of Shanghai. I'm sure my comment and 4/10 rating will be voted down like a rock in water. Sure, there are a few things to enjoy (Boris Karloff's wonderful performance as General Fang, the always enjoyable Ricardo Cortez, and some nice double-crosses near the film's end) but there's not enough for me to rate the movie favorably. My chief problem - I found most of West of Shanghai fairly dull and lifeless. Up to the point where Karloff comes in, the movie really drags. At just over an hour, the movie still manages 15 - 20 minutes of padding. The whole first act on the train is completely unnecessary. The murdered General has nothing to do with the rest of the film. And the big battle near the films climax is so poorly filmed, it's hard to tell what's going on. Not very exciting. Director John Farrow would go on to have an excellent career, but you'd have never have predicted it based on this early effort.

Karloff-underrated actor

[ROC-7 · 10/10 · 27 May 2005]

Have seen this film on Turner for the first time....Karloff and a delightful script marks my contention that Mr. Karloff is an underrated actor...he is whimsical as well as threatening as the officious Chinese General and has prompted me to search and buy this wonderful film. Oh,such a sad season of the Politically-correct..they'd never let Dear Boris film this today and more is the pity! The rest of the cast is pedestrian,but "Dear Boris" is worth the price of admission! His noble ending is worth the wait,but delight in his early exchange with his captors..I have a feeling that Mr. Karloff had a fun time in some of this making of the film.

White Fang

[utgard14 · 6/10 · 16 December 2015]

Enjoyable programmer from Warner Bros. about some Americans going to a Chinese village to negotiate oil drilling rights from another American and finding themselves "guests" of a ruthless Chinese warlord named Fang (Boris Karloff). Fang's not all bad, though. One of the oilmen (Gordon Oliver) saved Fang's life before he rose to power and the warlord tries to help him out, in love and business. It's a routine adventure flick from the period when 'the mysterious Orient' was all the rage. Certain elements, such as the yellowface makeup, will offend some today. So gird your loins if you're a sensitive type. Karloff is the primary reason to see this. He's always fun to watch and here he manages to imbue a somewhat villainous character with sympathy and humor. Ricardo Cortez plays the real villain of the piece, a total slimeball. For his part, Gordon Oliver is the hero, albeit a banal one. Beverly Roberts plays Cortez's estranged wife who's in love with Oliver now. Sheila Bromley plays the only other female part and gets several funny lines. Vladimir Sokoloff appears all-too-briefly as a rival to Karloff. The rest of the cast includes Chester Gan, Richard Loo, and Gordon Hart. It's nothing special but a good way to kill an hour. Definitely more fun for Karloff fans than anyone else.

Moments of high camp hides the fact that this is a revolting bore.

[mark.waltz · 3/10 · 15 January 2018]

From Fang to want...er, sorry, Wong, Boris Karloff tries to underact in this Chinese set political thriller where rebel general Karloff holds a group of Americans hostage. Karloff ends up turning into a character from a George Arliss film as he interferes in a romantic triangle while dealing with his political agenda. Ricardo Cortez, separated from wife Beverly Roberts, must deal with the fact that Karloff seemingly is willing to kill him so Roberts can marry Gordon Oliver. With each declaration of "I am Fang", Karloff's subtlety goes out the window, becoming more aggravating than John Malkovich's repeating of "Beyond my Control" in "Dangerous Liasons". With only minimal focus on the Chinese military's efforts to put an end to Karloff's reign of terror, this is an extremely dull programmer, only coming to life through some wisecracks from supporting characters Sheila Bromley and the minimal action and tension towards the end. The mixture of obvious non Asian actors and real Asians is laughably absurd. Still, production design is good, and in spite of the torrid script, decently directed.

Boris Karloff's biggest surprise at Warner Brothers

[kevinolzak · 7/10 · 8 April 2021]

1937's "West of Shanghai" was only the second of five Warner Brothers vehicles for Boris Karloff during the dreaded horror ban of the late 30s, but easily qualifies as the greatest surprise of them all. Whereas "The Walking Dead" turned out to be a successful cross between Universal horror and Warners gangsters, this was a decidedly different affair, the third of four screen versions of Porter Emerson Browne's 1920 play "The Bad Man," preceded by a 1923 silent and 1930 talkie before a 1941 remake all using the original title, in which Mexican bandits led by Pancho Lopez take over Arizona territory. The new setting was changed to reflect the current Sino-Japanese conflict, going through several shooting titles: "China Bandit," "War Lord," "The Adventures of Fang," and "Cornered," Karloff promoted from his intended "Black Widow" for the starring role of Wu Yen Fang, speaking pidgin English in an interesting precursor to his Mr. Wong series at Monogram (the Asian makeup harder to apply but easier to bear than his work with Jack Pierce). John Farrow directed from a Crane Wilbur script (as they would again for the star's upcoming "The Invisible Menace"), depicting rival financiers over an oil field in the north of China, where Fang's army has taken over several villages, including the one where missionary Jane Creed (Beverly Roberts) awaits the unwelcome arrival of her estranged husband Gordon (Ricardo Cortez). He has enough cash to assure himself of wrangling the oil for himself from supervisor Jim Hallet (Gordon Oliver) but doesn't reckon with Myron Galt (Douglas Wood) or daughter Lola (Sheila Bromley) for competition. Fang's arrival proves beneficial for Hallet, who once saved the general's life years before, but what Fang will not understand is Creed's easy manner in bribery but total failure to defend his wife. It takes a full 20 minutes before Karloff enters, then a standard 'B' picture swiftly becomes a comic gem in his off kilter performance, a real change of pace where the villain is a charmer who values loyalty and goes to his death knowing it was inevitable. A young Richard Loo, coming off multiple bits in the Bela Lugosi serial "Shadow of Chinatown," holds his own as Fang's right hand man, destined for a lengthy career that extended into the 70s with roles on KUNG FU and a last feature opposite Christopher Lee, playing industrialist Hai Fat in "The Man with the Golden Gun."

West of Shanghai

[silvershadows-09863 · 6/10 · 10 May 2020]

A group of Americans are traveling to rural China, where Jill Hallet (Gordon Oliver) plans to tap an oil reserve. One man, (Douglas Wood) has invested in the business and wants to see a return on his investment. Another man (Ricardo Cortez) plans on buying his way into the venture. The area is very volatile, as a rebel bandit, Fang (Boris Karloff), is creating a wave of terror. Even the Chinese military have sent a General to exterminate the bandit. But Fang has anticipated the Chinese military's plan and one of his men murders the General.

The Americans arrive at Hallet's remote village. Fang and his soldiers arrive shortly after and take over the village. We soon learn the Hallet helped out Fang years before. It was an action not forgotten by Fang, who considers Hallet a friend. This buys everyone time, as Fang blatantly romances a missionary (Beverly Roberts).

I saw the trailer before I watched the film and I thought it was going to be a dull movie. I was wrong. Warner Bros. in the 1930's was rarely boring. This is a very low budget film for Warner Bros., yet it maintains the polish and craftsmanship of their more expensive films. The script is just average. There are a couple of plot devices that I thought were weakly played out. Hallet has two women in love with him, but we get none of the backstory on either romance. One of the women is a missionary, who just happens to be married to Ricardo Cortez's character.

To enjoy this film all you have to do is sit back and enjoy Karloff's work. He was a vastly underrated actor. He could easily command a scene and he could bring a film up a notch all on his own. The screenwriter did a nice job on the Fang character. I was expecting a cardboard, manic, ruthless madman. Instead he wrote quite a character. A man who dispatches violence with barely a thought, but also a man with his own, well defined, code of ethics.

BORIS KARLOFF IS A CHINESE BANDIT!

[whpratt1 · 8/10 · 26 April 2003]

Excellent movie directed by John Farrow,(Mia Farrow's father) and involves American promoters Myron Galt(Douglas Wood) and Gordon Creed(Ricardo Cortez) who arrive in a village where bandit's are infested throughout the country side of northern China. They plan to foreclose on a valuable oil concession owned by Jim Hallet(Gordon Oliver). However, Creed finds his estranged wife, Jane (Beverly Roberts), a medical missionary, is falling in love with Hallet. He will not give her a divorce, in the meantime an army of bandits looking for money and possessions are lead by their renegade general,Wu Yen Fang(Boris Karloff), he takes over the entire city and uses the Christian Mission as a headquarters. Americans and missionaries find themselves prisoners of Boris Karloff and he does a good job of terrorizing them. West of Shanghai in 1923 was a silent film and also a talkie version in 1930. Walter Houston repeated the role of the Mexican bandit. This is a very slow B movie. Karloff is starred, and does the best that he can to portray a Chinese bandit using the methods of American racketeers. Boris Karloff's acting and makeup is great which made this picture into a classic.