On August 29 1986, Shanghai Surprise was released in the USA in 400 theatres. The film starred Madonna and Sean Penn and made $2.3 million against a budget of $17 million.
Tag Archives: Shanghai Surprise
Today in Madonna History: March 11, 1986
On March 11 1986, Madonna was named Favorite Female Musical Performer at the 12th annual People’s Choice Awards. Madonna accepted her award from the set of Shanghai Surprise in London, England.
Today In Madonna History: March 6, 1986
On March 6 1986, Madonna and George Harrison held a press conference at Kensington Roof Gardens, London, England to discuss the filming of Shanghai Surprise.
When asked by a reporter to apologize for her and Sean’s behavior towards the British press, Madonna answered: “I have nothing to apologize for”.
You have to stick it out to the end of the video to hear George Harrison’s Shanghai Surprise. It’s one of those 80’s songs you can’t get out of your head!
Here are some of the lyrics:
But i’m ready.
You must be crazy… crazy…
And you got no money… money…
But you’re a tryer…
My straits are dire from the wok into the fire,
I’d like to meet you but i’ve broken my chopstick.
Sometimes there’s no hope in, in chasing promises,
I wanna love you though it could prove to be unwise,
Shanghai surprise.
Today In Madonna History: March 4, 1987
On March 4 1987, Shanghai Surprise was released on home video.
The Philadelphia Inquirer gave the film a 1 star rating:
“Shanghai Surprise is so dismally scripted and directed that no one could redeem it… an atmospheric, handsomely shot and, sadly, utterly empty piece of work.”
Today in Madonna History: December 22, 1986
On December 22 1986, an exclusive interview with Madonna conducted by Simon Bates was broadcast on BBC Radio 1 in the U.K.
Madonna discussed her upbringing, her formative years as an artist, her work ethic, her marriage with Sean Penn, the press, Shanghai Surprise and more.
Listen to the full broadcast interview here:
Today in Madonna History: April 16, 1993
On April 16 1993, Body Of Evidence (starring Madonna) opened in cinemas across the U.K.
Roger Ebert had this to say about the film:
I’ve seen comedies with fewer laughs than Body of Evidence, and this is a movie that isn’t even trying to be funny. It’s an excruciatingly incompetent entry in the Basic Instinct genre, filled with lines that only a screenwriter could love, and burdened with a plot that confuses mystery with confusion.
The movie stars Madonna, who after Bloodhounds of Broadway, Shanghai Surprise and Who’s That Girl? now nails down her title as the queen of movies that were bad ideas right from the beginning. She plays a kinky dominatrix involved in ingenious and hazardous sex with an aging millionaire who has a bad heart. He dies after an evening’s entertainment, and Madonna is charged with his murder.
Today in Madonna History: March 11, 1986
On March 11 1986, Madonna was named Favorite Female Musical Performer at the 12th annual People’s Choice Awards. Madonna accepted her award from the set of Shanghai Surprise in London, England.
