Shanghai Surprise
1986, English. Directed by Jim Goddard.
A romantic adventure for the dangerous at heart.
Glendon Wasey is a fortune hunter looking for a fast track out of China. Gloria Tatlock is a missionary nurse seeking the curing powers of opium for her patients. Fate sets them on a hectic, exotic, and even romantic quest for stolen drugs. But they are up against every thug and smuggler in Shangai.
- Runtime
- 1h 37m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG-13
Start now and it ends at ….
Snoozefest
Your time is worth more.
4.3/10 from 108 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Shanghai Surprise
Shanghai Surprise is streaming on fuboTV, MGM+, and Philo in India.
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MGM+ Amazon Channel
Philo
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Fandango At HomeAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- Jim GoddardDirector
- Sean PennGlendon Wasey
- MadonnaGloria Tatlock
- Paul FreemanWalter Faraday
- Richard GriffithsWillie Tuttle
- Clyde KusatsuJoe Go
- Philip SayerJustin Kronk
- Lim Kay TongMei Gan
- Victor WongHo Chong
- Professor Toru TanakaYamagani San
- Michael AldridgeMr. Burns
- Sarah LamChina Doll's Maid
- George HarrisonNightclub Singer
Details
- Released
- 29 August 1986
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Written by
- John Kohn, Robert Bentley
- Budget
- $17M
- Box office
- $2.3M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Shanghai Surprise is based on
Shanghai Surprise is based on Farraday's Flowers (1983) by Tony Kenrick.
1983
Farraday's Flowers
By Tony Kenrick
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Shanghai Surprise: quick answers
Is Shanghai Surprise worth watching?
Our verdict is Snoozefest: Your time is worth more. It scores 4.3/10 from 108 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Shanghai Surprise?
Shanghai Surprise runs 97 minutes (1h 37m).
Does Shanghai Surprise have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Shanghai Surprise. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Shanghai Surprise parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Shanghai Surprise is rated PG-13 in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Shanghai Surprise on?
Shanghai Surprise is streaming on fuboTV, MGM+, and Philo in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Shanghai Surprise?
If you liked Shanghai Surprise, try Mr. Right, Sheroes, Something Wild.
Who directed Shanghai Surprise?
Shanghai Surprise (1986) was directed by Jim Goddard and stars Sean Penn, Madonna, Paul Freeman.
What is Shanghai Surprise based on?
Shanghai Surprise is based on Farraday's Flowers (1983) by Tony Kenrick.