In our "Great Cinema" series, a classic of film noir by (and with) Orson Welles - with an unforgettable finale in the hall of mirrors:
THE LADY OF SHANGHAI
USA 1947. D: Orson Welles. D: Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles, Everett Sloane, Glenn Anders. 84 min. FSK: 12
Elsa and her husband Arthur Bannister hire Michael O'Hara as a sailor for a trip on a luxury yacht from New York to San Francisco. Along the way, lawyer George Grisby, a business partner of Arthur's, comes on board. Michael falls in love with the mysterious Elsa and they embark on an affair. At the same time, O'Hara agrees to Grisby's plan: they want to fake Grisby's death in order to collect the large life insurance policy. With the promised 5000 dollars, O'Hara wants to run off with Elsa. But then Grisby is actually murdered...
THE LADY OF SHANGHAI is a gripping noir classic by Orson Welles that captivates with its sophisticated plot and atmospheric density. The combination of clever plot twists, impressive visual effects (a shoot-out in a hall of mirrors!) and Welles' outstanding direction make this film an unforgettable experience.