West of Shanghai (1937)

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.

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.

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.

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.