The complex political web in 1920s China is spun with tension and fragile alliances. A revolutionary group, known as the Reds, seeks to control Shanghai with the temporary aid of Chiang Kai-shek and his Kuomintang forces. However, this alliance is fraught with mistrust, as both parties harbor ulterior motives for Shanghai's dominance.

The Uneasy Alliance

Despite the official alliance, the Reds are determined to establish Communist leadership in Shanghai before Chiang’s Blue army arrives. Their plan hinges on stealth and deception, intending to supplant the temporary cooperation with their own rule. Conversely, the Blues plan to leverage the Reds' efforts to seize control of the city, only to later dismantle the revolutionary influence.

Ch’en’s Deadly Mission

Ch’en, a committed terrorist within the revolutionary ranks, prepares himself for a critical assassination. With precision, he penetrates the mosquito netting and drives his dagger into his target’s heart, retrieving a vital document. This paper will secure the transfer of arms from the Shantung, a ship anchored in the harbor, which are essential for the Reds’ takeover before the government's forces can intervene.

Plans and Preparations

Ch’en delivers the crucial document to Kyo at Hemmelrich’s phonograph shop, where he is met with congratulations. Together with Katov, Kyo tests a new communication method using phonograph records to mask secret messages. After refining their plans, they agree on a final review of their revolutionary cells, though Hemmelrich opts out due to his family’s illness.

Mobilizing for Revolution

Kyo and Katov embark on a tour of their network, ensuring that their two hundred units are prepared. At noon, a general strike is set to immobilize the city, while sabotage of the railways will hinder the government’s reinforcements. Other units will capture police stations and military posts, amassing firearms to withstand any attack, even from tanks.

De Clappique's Role

Kyo seeks out de Clappique at the Black Cat nightclub, knowing the Frenchman’s reliability despite his drunkenness. De Clappique is tasked with delivering a forged order to the Shantung, directing a change in its anchorage. Exhausted, Kyo heads home, where he shares parts of the plan with his father, Gisors, before confronting marital tensions with his wife, May.

The Heist

Disguised as government soldiers, Kyo, Katov, and a team board the Shantung and seize the arms, detaining the captain to ensure compliance. This victory bolsters their confidence. Meanwhile, Ferral, leading the French Chamber of Commerce, decides to support Chiang by supplying funds to the Blues. In a bizarre incident of jealousy, Ferral fills his mistress Valerie’s room with exotic animals.

The Uprising

The revolutionary strike begins seamlessly. Ch’en captures a police station, but his second target proves more resilient, requiring drastic measures. By setting the building ablaze, he eliminates both the enemy and his injured comrades, underscoring the fierce resolve of the revolutionaries.

The Tables Turn

With the government unable to counter both the Blues and the Reds, the latter initially gains control. However, Chiang cleverly sends a division less sympathetic to Communists, enabling the Blues to reclaim Shanghai. This clever tactic leads to many Reds' arrests and internal conflict exacerbates as Moscow orders disarmament, fracturing the revolutionary unity.

Ch’en’s Last Stand

Determined to liberate China, Ch’en plots an assassination attempt on Chiang, which ultimately fails. After seeking refuge with Hemmelrich and being refused, Ch’en makes a desperate second attack, sacrificing himself in a failed bombing. The car he targets is empty, and his martyrdom only compounds the chaos.

Tragic Consequences

In retaliation, Chiang’s forces destroy Hemmelrich’s shop, inadvertently killing his family. Wracked with guilt, Hemmelrich joins the insurrection, unleashing grenades in a futile act of rebellion....