# The Lady from Shanghai

> 1947 film by Orson Welles

**Wikidata**: [Q1214303](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1214303)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lady_from_Shanghai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/the-lady-from-shanghai

## Summary
*The Lady from Shanghai* is a 1947 film directed by Orson Welles, starring Rita Hayworth and Welles himself. It is a classic film noir that follows a woman who is mistaken for a spy and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deception. The film is notable for its stylish cinematography, compelling performances, and its place in the evolution of the film noir genre.

## Key Facts
- **Release Date**: December 24, 1947
- **Director**: Orson Welles
- **Starring Actors**: Rita Hayworth, Welles himself, and Joseph Cotten
- **Genre**: Film noir
- **Production Company**: Columbia Pictures
- **Country of Origin**: United States
- **Runtime**: 100 minutes
- **Wikidata Description**: 1947 film by Orson Welles
- **IMDb ID**: tt0040525
- **Rotten Tomatoes Score**: 8.1/10
- **Metacritic Score**: 85%
- **Part of**: National Film Registry (selected for preservation)
- **Sitelink Count**: 36 (Wikipedia links)

## FAQs
**What makes *The Lady from Shanghai* a classic film noir?**
*The Lady from Shanghai* is considered a classic film noir due to its dark themes, stylish cinematography, and a plot centered around deception and danger. The film follows a woman who is mistaken for a spy, leading to a series of dangerous encounters. Its atmospheric tone and moral ambiguity align with the defining characteristics of the film noir genre.

**Who are the main actors in *The Lady from Shanghai*?**
The main actors in the film include Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles, and Joseph Cotten. Hayworth plays the lead role, while Welles and Cotten deliver memorable performances as the antagonist and a supporting character, respectively.

**What is the plot of *The Lady from Shanghai*?**
The film follows a woman who is mistaken for a spy and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deception. As she navigates the treacherous world of international intrigue, she must outwit her pursuers and uncover the truth behind her mistaken identity.

**Why was *The Lady from Shanghai* selected for the National Film Registry?**
*The Lady from Shanghai* was selected for the National Film Registry in 1988 due to its cultural, historical, and aesthetic significance. The film is recognized as a key work in the film noir genre and has had a lasting impact on cinema.

**What is the runtime of *The Lady from Shanghai*?**
The film has a runtime of 100 minutes, making it a feature-length motion picture. Its concise yet engaging narrative allows it to maintain a strong cinematic experience within a relatively short duration.

## Why It Matters
*The Lady from Shanghai* matters as a significant contribution to the film noir genre and as a testament to Orson Welles' directorial prowess. The film's stylish cinematography, compelling performances, and morally ambiguous plot have made it a classic of the genre. Its selection for the National Film Registry underscores its cultural and historical importance, ensuring its preservation for future generations. Additionally, the film's exploration of themes such as deception and danger continues to resonate with audiences, making it a relevant and enduring work of cinema.

## Notable For
- **Classic Film Noir**: Recognized as a key work in the film noir genre, influencing later films and directors.
- **Orson Welles' Directorial Debut**: Marked Welles' return to filmmaking after a hiatus, showcasing his unique vision and storytelling abilities.
- **Rita Hayworth's Iconic Performance**: Hayworth's portrayal of the lead character is considered one of her most memorable roles, solidifying her status as a Hollywood icon.
- **National Film Registry Selection**: Chosen for preservation in the National Film Registry, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.
- **Stylish Cinematography**: Praised for its visually striking and atmospheric cinematography, which enhances the film's narrative and thematic depth.
- **Complex Plot Structure**: Features a intricate and suspenseful plot that keeps audiences engaged throughout its runtime.

## Body

### Core Definition and Context
*The Lady from Shanghai* is a 1947 film directed by Orson Welles, starring Rita Hayworth, Welles himself, and Joseph Cotten. The film is a classic example of the film noir genre, known for its dark themes, stylish cinematography, and morally ambiguous narrative. It follows a woman who is mistaken for a spy and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deception.

### Production and Release
The film was produced by Columbia Pictures and released on December 24, 1947. It was Welles' first feature film in over a decade, marking his return to directorial work after a period of focus on theater and radio. The production company, Columbia Pictures, played a significant role in bringing the film to audiences, contributing to its cultural impact.

### Plot and Themes
The plot of *The Lady from Shanghai* centers on a woman who is mistaken for a spy and must navigate a treacherous world of international intrigue. The film explores themes of deception, danger, and moral ambiguity, which are characteristic of the film noir genre. The narrative's complexity and suspenseful elements have made it a classic of the genre.

### Performances and Reception
The film features notable performances by Rita Hayworth, Orson Welles, and Joseph Cotten. Hayworth's portrayal of the lead character is considered one of her most memorable roles, while Welles and Cotten deliver compelling performances as the antagonist and a supporting character, respectively. The film received critical acclaim for its stylish cinematography, compelling performances, and morally ambiguous plot.

### Cultural Impact and Legacy
*The Lady from Shanghai* has had a lasting impact on cinema, influencing later films and directors. Its selection for the National Film Registry in 1988 underscores its cultural and historical significance, ensuring its preservation for future generations. The film's exploration of themes such as deception and danger continues to resonate with audiences, making it a relevant and enduring work of cinema.

### Related Works and Examples
The film is part of the National Film Registry, which includes other significant works of cinema. Its inclusion in this registry highlights its importance and relevance to the broader field of film. Additionally, the film's connection to the film noir genre and its influence on later works further cement its place in cinematic history.

### Structural Components and Parts
The film features several key structural components, including a compelling narrative, stylish cinematography, and memorable performances. These elements work together to create a cohesive and engaging cinematic experience. The film's runtime of 100 minutes allows for a concise yet impactful story, maintaining a strong cinematic experience within a relatively short duration.

### Distinction from Related Entities
*The Lady from Shanghai* distinguishes itself from other films through its unique blend of film noir elements, stylish cinematography, and compelling performances. Its exploration of themes such as deception and danger sets it apart from other films of its time. Additionally, the film's connection to Orson Welles' directorial work and its inclusion in the National Film Registry further highlight its significance.

### Authority and Provenance
The film has been documented through numerous identifiers across various databases, including its Wikidata ID, IMDb ID, and Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic scores. These identifiers reflect its cultural and historical significance, ensuring its preservation and recognition within the broader field of cinema. The film's inclusion in the National Film Registry further underscores its importance and relevance to the broader field of film.

## References

1. IMDb
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://www.loc.gov/programs/national-film-preservation-board/film-registry/complete-national-film-registry-listing/)
4. The Lady From Shanghai. Rotten Tomatoes
5. [Source](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040525/releaseinfo)
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Kinopoisk
8. [Source](https://www.kijkwijzer.nl/films/lady-from-shanghai/)
9. terjesztesre_kerulo_filmalkotasok_nyilvantartasa.xlsx
10. [Source](http://www.allocine.fr/film/fichefilm_gen_cfilm=514.html)
11. List of film licenses issued from 1945 to 2020
12. [Source](https://www.cnc.fr/professionnels/visas-et-classification/6818)
13. [Source](http://portal.mj.gov.br/ClassificacaoIndicativa/jsps/DadosObraForm.do?select_action=&tbobra_codigo=25010)
14. Brazilian Advisory Rating System
15. Bechdel Test Movie List
16. mymovies.it
17. The Movie Database
18. [Source](https://ui.eidr.org/view/content?id=10.5240/43EB-6ED3-65B0-C72D-C900-4)
19. [Source](https://www.acmi.net.au/works/84564)
20. Trakt.tv
21. FilmVandaag.nl