San Francisco (1936)

User Rating:

7.4/10   

Writers:

Robert E. Hopkins (story)
Anita Loos (writer)

Release Date:

26 June 1936 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Drama | Musical | Romance

Tagline:

She Fell In Love . . . with the toughest guy on the toughest street in the world !

Plot:

A Barbary Coast saloonkeeper and a Nob Hill impresario are rivals for the affections of a beautiful singer, both personally and professionally in 1906 San Francisco.

Plot Keywords:

Singer | Nob Hill | Opera | Priest | Contract

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 1 win & 5 nominations

Cast

Clark Gable	...	Blackie Norton
Jeanette MacDonald	...	Mary Blake
Spencer Tracy	...	Father Mullin
Jack Holt	...	Jack Burley
Jessie Ralph	...	Mrs. Burley
Ted Healy	...	Mat
Shirley Ross	...	Trixie
Margaret Irving	...	Della Bailey
Harold Huber	...	'Babe'
Edgar Kennedy	...	Sheriff
Al Shean	...	Professor
William Ricciardi	...	Signor Baldini
Kenneth Harlan	...	'Chick'
Roger Imhof	...	'Alaska'
Charles Judels	...	Tony (as Charles Judells)

Runtime:

115 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

Sweden:15 | Australia:G

Filming Locations:

San Francisco, California, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

The montage at the conclusion of the film which illustrates the re-building of San Francisco originally included a series of shots of notable San Francisco landmarks; most especially, the Golden Gate Bridge while it was still under construction. The cables had not been slung yet, but the towers of the bridge were very prominent in the shot. Subsequent releases have omitted this original montage in favor of a dissolve shot proceeding from atop of a cliff overlooking the devastation into a panorama of artist-drawn buildings as seen from the cliff.

Goofs:

Factual errors: In a scene after the Earthquake, the driver of a Salvation Army wagon tells Blackie Norton that he is heading to "Daly City to get milk for the kiddies." In fact, Daly City was not incorporated until 1911 (five years after the quake). The area did contain dairy farms (owned by John Daly), but was known as Vista Grande.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Blackie Norton: Well sister, what's your racket?
Mary Blake: I'm a singer!
Blackie Norton: Let's see your legs!
Mary Blake: I said, I'm a singer!
Blackie Norton: Alright, let's see your legs!

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Foul Play (1978)

Soundtrack:

The Holy City

Awesome

GREAT story, wonderful characters, excellent acting, beautiful cinematography and complex, realistic sets! Makes me nostalgic for these old, well-rounded, meaningful movies. Gable's character, "Blackie" is a marvelous example of the dual human nature that has hidden gold inside - people are not always as they seem. Life is a constant struggle that keeps everyone developing and brings out the true heart - for better or worse.

Beyond the basic plot, the film shows the potential devastation of earthquakes [historic retelling of the 1906 SF quake] and the ability of human beings to band together, overcome petty grudges and social class barriers and rejoice in life, transcending the mundane concerns. Incredible spiritual awakening in several characters, too. What was important before the tragedy became silly and forgotten in the wake of the rubble and death - back to basics. Can't say enough about the story, depiction of history and the outstanding cinematic artistry.