As with most of the early Hitchcock, there are some wonderful images in this film. Unfortunately, the characters are so vapid and so stupid that it makes no difference. We have a spoiled guy and his loyal wife who suddenly come into money and decide to go on an ocean voyage. Of course, it's the old, don't wish for too much, you may get it. They each get involved in affairs and, of course, it's all about the reconciliation and realizing what you have. I was never able to believe it for a minute. The best part of the film is the first five minutes, when our hero battles the elements and the subway to return home with thoughts of "the gas pipe." The wife reminds him of how fortunate they are until the letter arrives. Anyway, it all takes on from there. She is quite prudish and innocent but turns too fast to another man. It didn't work for me.
Review of East of Shanghai
