ironhorse_iv Review of Old San Francisco

Old San Francisco (1927)

A really old San Francisco treat, that tastes so-so

[6/10 · 16 December 2012]

1927 was only a few years after the real event, but Old San Francisco is far from anything real from history. The movie was just made to capitalize on the epic tragedy without any guide line on a real life story of survivable, so they made one up. That made up story was very racist, and it was written by Darryl F. Zanuck whom later became the producer of future anti-prejudice films in the 1940s. The film starts out with a lengthy prologue about the history of San Francisco. The opening felt like a lecture telling how Spanish aristocracy become to own the land by giving exampling by using one family name—the Vasquez. They show the history of the Vasquez with not needed scenes, until the story proper begins in 1906 at the hacienda of Don Hernandez Vasquez (Josef Swickard) and his lovely daughter Dolores (Dolores Costello). Already the film is lengthy, most of that prologue would better serve cut on the editing floor. The story should started with 1906, not 1700's. Don Hernandez is having financial problem with his ranch nonetheless refuses the entreaties of wealthy businessman Michael Brandon (Anders Randolf) and his lawyer Terrence O'Shaughnessy (Charles E. Mack) to purchase his property. Terrence became love struck by first sight with Dolores, but Vasquez refuse to sell the ranch, and send the two men away. The two men return to Chris Buckwell (Warner Oland), a rich powerful business man who ran illegal activities in China. Not only is he plotting to grab their land for himself, but also claim Dolores as his bride. Chris Buckwell has two big deep dark secrets under his skin. He's able to indulge in his illegal business without fear of retribution from his Chinese victims because people believe he is Caucasian status. Buckwell happens to Oriental. While, Warner Oland is really white and not Asian, Warner Oland was such a brilliant actor in this role, and pretty much help him get further roles playing Orientals such as Charlie Chan. While the movie shows some Asians in a negative light, it doesn't over do the stereotypes. While Buckwell might be over the top, with him trying to sell Dolores to white slavery and him keeping a midget brother in a cage. There are scenes where normal realAsians are trying to plead their case to the evil Buckwell. It wasn'tuntil ¾ of the film when the Earthquake came to play. It comes quick and end pretty much the same. It's really great to watch but it's not that long. Those special effects in 1927 were rather good in those days. It's still pretty interesting how they were able to do some of those scenes. Though beautifully photographed and consummately produced, the action in this historical drama moves the audience. Shot at the end of the silent era, Old San Francisco includes a Vitaphone soundtrack featuring synchronized music and sound effects that works well. The trouble with the film is its pace, it's over the top characters, and downright ignored of 1906 Earthquake itself. Check out the movie if you're a silent movie fan, if you want a better movie about the earthquake, check out 'San Francisco' 1938 film with Clark Gable.