STIRRING TALE OF ADVENTURE

Evening Star, Issue 21634, 1 February 1934, Page 1

STIRRING TALE OF ADVENTURE

SPENCER TRACY FOR STRAND A stirring tale of adventure and romance in disturbed China_ is told in ‘ Shanghai Madness,’ coming to the Strand to-morrow. The film, with its glimpses of a life far removed from humdrum every-day existence, provides splendid entertainment, and forms an ideal vehicle for the virile characterisation always associated with the name of Spencer Tracy, the princiActing honours, however, are equally shared by Fay Wray, who makes a charming heroine, Eugene Pallette in a typically bluff role, Herbert Mundm, whose part is full of dry humour, and Ralph Morgan, who makes a suave mandarin. ' At the time the story opens, Tracy, as Pat Jackson, has ben dismissed from the United States Navy for an act of insubordination in opening fire on a bandits’ fort. Marooned in Shanghai and boycotted by the _ shipping companies, Jackson finds it impossible to gain a position, in spite of his long experience with the navy. A chance encounter with a headstrong young girl whose adventuring into the native quarters has involved her in a dangerous street riot, is the opening of a romance against which the embittered young man tries to fight, knowing the hopelessness of his future prospects. Wikleth Christie, impetuous and courageous, is willing, however, to risk anything for the sake of their friendship, and when Jackson finally is given the post of gunner on a tramp steamer engaged in rifle-running, she smuggles herself on board. The adventures of the litle vessel as it makes its way up the river, running the gauntlet of warring factions, form a thrilling series of episodes which culminate in a daring- and brilliant exploit by Jackson.