Night in the City was the directorial debut of Fei Mu (who would later go on to achieve lasting fame throughout the 1930s and 1940s) and starred actress Ruan Lingyu and actor Jin Yan.
It was highly acclaimed upon its release, particularly by leftist progressives for its social criticisms of city-life.
The film tells the story of a poor family living in China's slums.
The daughter, played by Ruan Lingyu, is forced to work at the docks.
By the end of the film, the daughter, her family, and the landlord's son all leave the city for what they hope will be a better life in the country.