There were many passengers of various and different backgrounds who were boarding into the first-class compartments, comprising the main principals of the film (including two 'fallen women'):Hui Fei (Anna May Wong), an Eurasian (but American-bred) prostitute, with a suspect background, who appeared to be running awayShanghai Lily (Marlene Dietrich), a European lady also with a questionable reputation (a "courtesan")Captain Donald Harvey (Clive Brook), a stalwart British medical doctor on a mission to operate on the Governor-General of ShanghaiReverend Carmichael (Lawrence Grant), a fervent Christian missionary, judgmental and impatientMrs.[The series of reflective monologues are contained within a complex pattern of flashbacks, narrated in a softly-spoken and tender, but direct, staccato voice, often overlaid with lyrical, romantically-delirious Rachmaninoff music from the radio." She also mentioned that the 'Bridesmaid' unit needed six more mirrors.Then, a phone call brought more bad news - a theater in Savannah, Georgia had burned down and ruined all the costumes and scenery affecting he "Soldier Girl" unit, so Bea suggested that the group (in their last week) be recalled.] A third silent, civilian-dressed, unidentified individual named Jerry (Jerry Ziesner) is presumably a CIA operative.