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The Shanghai Document

192854 minGermanySoviet Union
Documentary

Synopsis

Images of Shanghai's port, factories and streets are set against the leisure of wealthy foreign residents. The contrast makes labor and privilege the film's organizing subjects. Strikes and political conflict give the city portrait a direction beyond the observation of daily life.

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Video edition
Wikimedia Commons
Original language
No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified.
This copy runs
51:30
Subtitles
No subtitle track in this language

No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: not identified. No subtitle track in this language.

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Cum Lingus Communicamus · Public domain

DirectorsYakov Bliokh

Historical context

The Soviet documentary approaches Shanghai through sympathy for its working class and opposition to colonial inequality. Its account relates to the upheavals of 1925–1927, including the violence against workers in April 1927; the editing presents a political argument rather than an impartial survey.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film referenceWikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 15, 2026.

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