The fourth collaboration between star Marlene Dietrich and her mentor, director Josef von Sternberg, this arch melodrama divides audiences. Fans love its exotic lighting (cinematographer Lee Garmes won an Oscar) and its clever, intimate use of confined space; detractors laugh at its high camp histrionics and its ludicrous (but stylish) plot and satirically ridiculous dialogue ("It took more than one man to change my name to Shanghai Lily"). With a drink in your hand and a generous disposition, this 1930s hokum is immensely enjoyable, as notorious hooker Dietrich is amazingly reunited with her former true love Clive Brook (characteristically wooden but well cast) aboard the titular train that's hijacked by Warner Oland. Sophisticated tosh, and Dietrich is, as always, unforgettable.

A beautiful temptress re-kindles an old romance while trying to escape her past during a tension-packed train journey.