Although in modern times the term 'B-movie' has come to mean bad movie, back in the 1930s and 40s, a B wasn't necessarily bad...just short and economically made. This is because during this era of double-features, theaters were looking for cheap lesser features for this double bill. In other words, they'd show an A-picture (a higher quality and more expensively made film of at least 70 minutes in length) and the B (about 50-65 minutes) which was simple, quick and usually entertaining. Some were really bad....most were more like time-passers.
When I saw "Docks of San Francisco", I could quickly tell it was a B. It was made by an itty-bitty studio, lasted about an hour and was filled with unknown actors. Yet, despite this humble pedigree, it was entertaining...possibly, in part, because it was a Pre-Code film and filled with plenty of violence...and an amazingly downbeat ending.
The story is about a rather dim woman who has been manipulated by her no-good boyfriend into a life of crime. But she's sick of it and wants to go straight. How does a nice rich guy help her? Well, see the film!
I don't think this is one to rush out to see. But it is entertaining and well made for what it is.
When I saw "Docks of San Francisco", I could quickly tell it was a B. It was made by an itty-bitty studio, lasted about an hour and was filled with unknown actors. Yet, despite this humble pedigree, it was entertaining...possibly, in part, because it was a Pre-Code film and filled with plenty of violence...and an amazingly downbeat ending.
The story is about a rather dim woman who has been manipulated by her no-good boyfriend into a life of crime. But she's sick of it and wants to go straight. How does a nice rich guy help her? Well, see the film!
I don't think this is one to rush out to see. But it is entertaining and well made for what it is.