What Is Intrigue About?
The premise of Intrigue in 249 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the uncertain landscape of post-war Shanghai, opportunity and danger walk hand in hand through streets teeming with shadows. The city has become a crossroads for those seeking fortune outside the boundaries of the law, where the black market thrives amid the chaos of reconstruction. For some, it offers a second chance; for others, it represents a descent into a moral gray zone where loyalty is negotiable and ambition exacts a heavy toll.
Brad Dunham, a former Army Air Corps pilot, arrives in this world after his dishonorably discharge leaves him adrift and searching for purpose. His skills as a pilot make him a valuable asset in Shanghai’s underground trade, and he quickly finds himself drawn into a lucrative partnership with the cunning Tamara Baranoff. Together, they navigate a business where success demands more than mere talent — it requires a willingness to embrace the unscrupulous. Brad’s rise is swift, but the choices that fuel his prosperity do not go unnoticed.
Mark Andrews, an American newspaper reporter and Brad’s longtime friend, watches from a distance as his companion grows entangled in a web of crime. Mark’s investigation into Shanghai’s illicit trade brings him uncomfortably close to the truth, creating a tension between the two men that threatens to unravel their friendship. As Brad’s world expands, he must confront whether the price of his new life is one he is truly willing to pay — and whether redemption remains within reach for a man who has already lost so much.
What Happens in Intrigue?
The complete story of Intrigue, from the first scene to the last, in 224 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 5 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In post-war China, court-martialed pilot Brad Dunham George Raft now flies smuggled goods into the country. He attempts to force his immediate superior, Ramon Perez Marvin Miller to pay him more, but Perez resists, so Brad steals the cargo back.
The boss of the black-market operation is Tamara Baranoff June Havoc, who agrees to Brad’s demand of a 50% cut of the operation and fires Ramon as a show of good faith. Meanwhile, an American newspaper reporter, Marc Andrews Tom Tully, a friend of Brad’s, shows up in Shanghai to investigate black-market crime.
Brad meets a social worker, Linda Parker, alias Linda Arnold Helena Carter, and their friendship makes Tamara jealous. She insists that Brad do something about the prying reporter and steer clear of that other woman. Tamara’s criminal rival tips off Marc that his pal Brad is involved with the crime ring.
Marc is knifed by Tamara’s rival just as he is delivering a copy of his story exposing the black market. His dying wish is that Brad deliver the story for him, telling Brad that it was Tamara whose testimony led to Brad’s unjust court-martial.
Brad distributes her black-market goods to needy citizens. Ramon turns up to ambush Brad, but his gun goes off, killing Tamara instead, and Ramon is placed under arrest. Brad and Linda contemplate a new life together.
Intrigue Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
13 key events in the order they happen, from “Brad's post-war smuggling begins” to “Brad and Linda plan a new life”. Every event takes place in Shanghai.
- 1
Brad's post-war smuggling begins
In post-war China, Brad Dunham, a court-martialed pilot, now flies smuggled goods into the country. He tries to force his immediate superior, Ramon Perez, to pay him more. When Perez resists, Brad steals the cargo back.
When:Post-war period Where:Shanghai
- 2
Brad steals back the cargo
Brad takes back the cargo after Ramon resists his demand, signaling his willingness to push back against the smugglers. The act cements Brad's precarious position within the black-market operation.
When:Immediately after the initial theft Where:Shanghai
- 3
Tamara Baranoff takes charge
Tamara Baranoff, the boss of the operation, agrees to Brad's demand for a 50% cut of the profits. As a show of good faith, she fires Ramon to clear the way for the new arrangement.
When:Shortly after the cargo theft Where:Shanghai
- 4
Ramon Perez is dismissed
Ramon Perez is dismissed by Tamara, signaling a shift in leadership within the network. The move heightens Brad's leverage but risks alienating an old ally.
When:Soon after Where:Shanghai
- 5
Marc Andrews arrives to investigate
An American newspaper reporter, Marc Andrews, arrives in Shanghai to investigate black-market crime. He quickly befriends Brad and begins piecing together the illicit network.
When:Early in the investigation Where:Shanghai
- 6
Brad meets Linda Arnold
Brad meets social worker Linda Arnold, and the two form a friendly rapport. Tamara grows jealous of their closeness and warns Brad to stay away from Marc and Linda.
When:Shortly after Marc's arrival Where:Shanghai
- 7
Tamara warns Brad about Marc and Linda
Tamara's jealousy spills over as she orders Brad to keep Marc at arm's length and avoid his new ally, Linda. She wants control over Brad's actions and loyalties within the operation.
When:Soon after Linda's introduction Where:Shanghai
- 8
Tamara's rival informs Marc
Tamara's rival tips off Marc that Brad is involved with the crime ring. Marc's investigation intensifies as he presses Brad for the truth and a breakthrough.
When:Before Marc's murder Where:Shanghai
- 9
Marc is killed; dying confession
Marc is knifed by Tamara's rival as he delivers a copy of his story exposing the black market. In his dying breath, he asks Brad to deliver the story and reveals that Tamara's testimony helped cause Brad's unjust court-martial.
When:Moment of the attack Where:Shanghai
- 10
Brad vows to expose the truth
Brad accepts Marc's dying wish and resolves to carry the story to the authorities. He intends to expose Tamara's role in Brad's unjust court-martial and bring the truth to light.
When:Immediately after Marc's death Where:Shanghai
Show the other 3 events of Intrigue Hide the last 3 events
- 11
Brad distributes goods to the needy
Brad distributes the black-market goods to needy citizens, turning his risky operation toward a charitable edge. The act shows a more humanitarian side of his criminal activities.
When:Ongoing Where:Shanghai
- 12
Ramon ambushes Brad; Tamara dies
Ramon unexpectedly ambushes Brad, but his gun misfires, killing Tamara instead. Ramon is arrested by the authorities as the network's leadership crumbles.
When:Climax Where:Shanghai
- 13
Brad and Linda plan a new life
With the key players neutralized and the danger behind them, Brad and Linda contemplate a fresh start together. They envision a future free from crime and betrayal.
When:Conclusion Where:Shanghai
Who Are the Main Characters in Intrigue?
5 characters, among them Brad Dunham (George Raft), Ramon Perez (Marvin Miller) and Linda Parker (Linda Arnold) (Helena Carter): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Brad Dunham (George Raft)
Played by George Raft
A court-martialed pilot who has turned to smuggling, Brad is daring and resourceful but driven by pride and self-preservation. He navigates a dangerous web of criminals while seeking a larger cut, yet his actions reveal a conflicted conscience as he distributes goods to the needy. His relationship with Linda adds a personal stake in escaping the cycle of crime.
- 🧭 Protagonist
- 💼 Criminal network
- 💭 Moral conflict
- RP
Ramon Perez (Marvin Miller)
Played by Marvin Miller
Head of the black-market operation, Ramon is cool-headed and calculating, willing to assert power to protect his share. He clashes with Brad over control and ultimately becomes entangled in the scheme that leads to Tamara's death and his own arrest. His actions reveal the brutal pragmatism of postwar crime.
- 💼 Boss
- 🧭 Power
- 💬 Rivalry
- LP
Linda Parker (Linda Arnold) (Helena Carter)
Played by Helena Carter
A compassionate social worker who befriends Brad, Linda represents a potential path away from crime. Her presence creates friction with Tamara and adds emotional stakes to the criminal underworld. She stands for mercy amid deception and danger.
- 🕊️ Ally
- 💕 Love interest
- 🧭 Moral compass
- TB
Tamara Baranoff (Mme. Tamara Baranoff) (June Havoc)
Played by June Havoc
Leader of the crime ring and a master manipulator, Tamara exerts control to protect her business and jealousy over Linda's influence. She becomes a central adversary whose schemes eventually collapse under the weight of Marc's investigation and her own rivals' actions.
- 🗡️ Antagonist
- 💼 Power broker
- 🧭 Manipulator
- MA
Marc Andrews (Tom Tully)
Played by Tom Tully
An American newspaper reporter who travels to Shanghai to uncover black-market crime. His investigation propels the plot, culminating in a dying plea that Brad publish the truth. His pursuit tests Brad's choices and reveals the price of exposing criminal networks.
- 📰 Journalist
- 🕵️ Investigative
- ⚖️ Truth seeker
Where and When Is Intrigue Set?
Intrigue is set in Shanghai and China (Post-World War II era (late 1940s)). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
Post-World War II era (late 1940s)
The story unfolds in the chaotic aftermath of war, when Shanghai reels from occupation and shifting power. Smuggling and illicit trade flourish as authorities struggle to reassert control. The era's paranoia and opportunism push characters toward drastic choices.
Where
Shanghai, China
Shanghai is depicted as the bustling center of postwar crime where the black market thrives amid neon lights and crowded streets. The city acts as a crossroads for smugglers, journalists, and social workers, reflecting the chaos and opportunity of the era. Its alleys and docks underpin the tensions between law enforcement and criminal networks, driving the plot.
- 🌆 Urban hub
- 🗺️ Port city
- 🏮 Neon noir
What Are the Themes of Intrigue?
4 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Crime & Morality, Truth & Media and Loyalty & Betrayal.
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01
Crime & Morality
The film centers on a criminal underworld where illegal goods and coercion clash with personal ethics. Brad's demand for a bigger cut and his later distribution of goods to the needy blur lines between crime and mercy. Loyalties are tested as murder, betrayal, and justice collide.
-
02
Truth & Media
Marc Andrews' investigation exposes the crime ring, risking his life for a story. The dying wish to publish Brad's side reveals how truth can become a weapon against powerful criminals. Tamara's manipulation shows how media can influence public perception and outcomes.
-
03
Loyalty & Betrayal
Friendships are strained by criminal interests and jealousy, notably between Brad and Tamara and the journalist's pursuit. Betrayal surfaces when hidden testimonies surface, revealing past deceptions. The characters walk a fine line between loyalty to friends and self-preservation.
-
04
Power & Control
Control of the black-market empire dictates who survives and who falls. The firing of Ramon Perez illustrates shifts in leadership and leverage within the operation. The pursuit of power drives characters toward risky choices with lasting consequences.
What Kind of Film Is Intrigue?
Tense in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Tense
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A tense, noirish crime thriller set in the gritty underworld of post-war Shanghai, where a cynical smuggler's moral awakening leads to betrayal and violent confrontation before a cautiously hopeful ending.
- tense
- noirish
- cynical
- romantic
- morally ambiguous
- gritty
- post-war crime
- black market
- redemption
- betrayal
Content notes: murder, knife violence, suicide, post-war starvation.
Quiz
How well do you remember Intrigue? Test yourself on the story.
