Macao or Gambling Hell (French: Macao, l'enfer du jeu) is a 1942 French drama film directed by Jean Delannoy and starring Sessue Hayakawa, Mireille Balin and Henri Guisol. It is based on the 1938 novel of the same title by Maurice Dekobra. It was shot at the Victorine Studios in Nice. The film's sets were designed by the art director Serge Piménoff. When production began in 1939, Erich von Stroheim was cast in the role of Werner von Krall. Production delays and the German occupation of France in 1940, meant that the film's completion and release was delayed. The scenes with Von Stroheim had to be re-shot at Cité Elgé in Paris, with Pierre Renoir taking over the role for a 1942 release. Only after the Liberation was the original version screened.
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Synopsis
In the near lawless port of Macao, arms dealer Werner Von Krall rescues singer Mireille from a firing squad. He soon enters into a weapons deal with casino owner Yin Tchaï, who hides his criminal life from his daughter Jasmine. When the deal fails and his debts mount, Von Krall kidnaps Jasmine to force an escape. Their conflict reaches a climax that forces both men to face the consequences of their trade.
Cast
Sessue Hayakawa as Ying Tchaï
Mireille Balin as Mireille
Henri Guisol as Almaido
Erich von Stroheim as Werner von Krall
Louise Carletti as Jasmine
Jim Gérald as Un matelot
Marie Lorain as Mademoiselle Marguenon
Alexandre Mihalesco as Yassouda
Etienne Decroux as Un autre matelot
Tsugundo Maki as Le secrétaire de Ying Tchaï
Georges Lannes as Le capitaine
Roland Toutain as Pierre Milley
Pierre Renoir as Werner von Krall (reshot 1942 version)
Ginette Baudin as Une joueuse
Chukry-Bey as L'officier chinois
Georges Térof as Le général Lin-Tse