SAN FRANCISCO [1936 / 2021] [Warner Archive Collection] [Blu-ray] [USA Release] Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald, Spencer Tracy, are back in one of their greatest M-G-M Musical-Drama Disaster Film Hits!
Romantic drama combines with humour, star power combines with lavish spectacle, and the walls come tumbling down! This Academy Award® winning extravaganza street splitting, brick cascading, fire raging re-creation of the cataclysmic earthquake remains “one of the greatest action sequences in the history of the cinema, rivalling the chariot race in the ‘Ben Hur’ films” (Adrian Turner, Time Out Film Guide).
Clark Gable plays rakish Barbary Coast kingpin Blackie Norton. Jeanette MacDonald plays Mary Blake and portrays a singer torn by her love for Blackie Norton and her need to succeed among the opera going elite. Earning the first of nine career Best Actor Oscar® nominations, Spencer Tracy is a priest who supplements spiritual advice with a mean right hook. He urges Blackie to change. But if love and religion cannot reform Blackie Norton, Mother Nature will.
FILM FACT No.1: Awards and Nominations: 1935 Photoplay Awards: Win: Medal of Honour for Bernard H. Hyman and John Emerson. 1936 Venice Film Festival: Nominated: Mussolini Cup for Best Foreign Film for W.S. Van Dyke. 1937 Academy Awards®: Win: Best Sound Recording for Douglas Shearer (M-G-M SSD). Nominated: Best Picture. Nominated: Best Actor in a Leading Role for Spencer Tracy. Nominated: Best Director for W.S. Van Dyke. Nominated: Best Writing for an Original Story for Robert E. Hopkins. Nominated: Best Assistant Director for Joseph M. Newman. 1937 Photoplay Awards: Win: Medal of Honour for Bernard H. Hyman and John Emerson.
FILM FACT No.2: The earthquake montage sequence for ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ was created by 2nd unit director and montage expert John Hoffman. The Barbary Coast barroom set was built on a special platform that rocked and shook to simulate the historical temblor. Similar sets were built for the 1974 disaster film ‘Earthquake.’ There are two versions of the ending. The original release features a stylish montage of the then-current 1936 film scenes of a bustling San Francisco, including Market Street and the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. When the film was re-released in 1948, it was thought these scenes were dated and the film fades out on a single long shot of the modern business district. However, the TV and 16mm versions of the film seen in the 1950’s and 60s were struck from the original version which includes the montage. The current DVD and cable version features the shorter 1948 version. The title song may be the best-remembered part of the film. It was composed by BronisÅ‚aw Kaper and Walter Jurmann, with lyrics by Gus Kahn. It is sung by Jeanette MacDonald a half-dozen times in the film, and becomes an anthem for the survivors of the earthquake. It has now become a popular sentimental sing-along at public events such as the city's annual earthquake commemoration, as well as one of two official city songs; the other being "I Left My Heart in San Francisco." At San Francisco's historic Castro Theatre, the pre-film organ performance always ends with the song as the organ console is lowered down before the film starts. Early in the film, the song "The Darktown Strutters Ball" can be heard; this is a historically inaccurate inclusion, since the song was written in 1917. During the two operatic scenes in the film, Jeanette MacDonald sang excerpts from Charles Gounod's Faust and Giuseppe “Verdi’s La Traviata.” Another song Janette MacDonald sings is “The Holy City.”
Cast: Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald, Spencer Tracy, Jack Holt, Jessie Ralph, Ted Healy, Shirley Ross, Margaret Irving, Harold Huber, Edgar Kennedy, Al Shean, William Ricciardi, Kenneth Harlan, Roger Imhof, Charles Judels, Russell Simpson, Bert Roach, Warren B. Hymer, Jean Acker (uncredited), Maude Allen (uncredited), Oscar Apfel (uncredited), Sam Ash (uncredited), Gertrude Astor (uncredited), Irving Bacon (uncredited), King Baggot (uncredited), Jane Barnes (uncredited), Vince Barnett (uncredited), Jack Baxley (uncredited), Ananias Berry (uncredited), Margaret Bert (uncredited), Phil Bloom (uncredited), Sidney Bracey (uncredited), Jimmy Brewster (uncredited), Fritzi Brunette (uncredited), Sonny Bupp (uncredited), Tommy Bupp (uncredited), Orrin Burke (uncredited), Richard Carle (uncredited), Jess Cavin (uncredited), Helene Chadwick (uncredited), Naomi Childers (uncredited), St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers (uncredited), G. Pat Collins (uncredited), Bing Conley (uncredited), Russell Custer (uncredited), Adrienne D'Ambricourt (uncredited), Nigel De Brulier (uncredited), Vernon Dent (uncredited), Mae Digges (uncredited), Jimmy Dime (uncredited), Tom Dugan (uncredited), Edward Earle (uncredited), Edgar Edwards (uncredited), Fred M. Fagan (uncredited), Jim Farley (uncredited), Flora Finch (uncredited), Chester Gan (uncredited), Bud Geary (uncredited), John George (uncredited), Ruth Gillette (uncredited), D.W. Griffith (uncredited), George Guhl (uncredited), Ben Hall (uncredited), Donald Hall (uncredited), Homer Hall (uncredited), Sherry Hall (uncredited), Mahlon Hamilton (uncredited), Edward Hearn (uncredited), Fay Helm (uncredited), The Highlanders [Male Quartette] (uncredited), Phyllis Hurst (uncredited), Danny Jackson (uncredited), Delos Jewkes (uncredited), Anthony Jowitt (uncredited), Bronislau Kaper (uncredited), John Kelly (uncredited), Cy Kendall (uncredited), Jack Kennedy (uncredited), Jack Kenny (uncredited), Leonard Kibrick (uncredited), Ralph Lewis (uncredited), Wilbur Mack (uncredited), Tandy MacKenzie (uncredited), James Macklin (uncredited), George Magrill (uncredited), Tom Mahoney (uncredited), Owen Marsh (uncredited), Frank Mayo (uncredited), Tom McGuire (uncredited), Robert McKenzie (uncredited), Sammy McKim (uncredited), Douglas McPhail [Tenor in “La Traviata” voice] (uncredited), John 'Skins' Miller (uncredited), Belle Mitchell (uncredited), Bruce Mitchell (uncredited), Rhea Mitchell (uncredited), Hans Moebus (uncredited), James Murray (uncredited), Harry Myers (uncredited), George Nardelli (uncredited), William Newell (uncredited), Amber Norman (uncredited), William H. O'Brien (uncredited), Spec O'Donnell (uncredited), Dennis O'Keefe (uncredited), Pat O'Malley (uncredited), John Pearson (uncredited), Jack Perry (uncredited), Catherine Price (uncredited), Lillian Rich (uncredited), Jason Robards Sr. (uncredited), Beatrice Roberts (uncredited), Henry Roquemore (uncredited), Don Rowan (uncredited), Frank Sheridan (uncredited), Helen Shipman (uncredited), Douglas Steade (uncredited), Myrtle Stedman (uncredited), Carl Stockdale (uncredited), Harry Strang (uncredited), Madame Sul-Te-Wan (uncredited), Charles Sullivan (uncredited), Ben Taggart (uncredited), Rosemary Theby (uncredited), David Thursby (uncredited), Jerry Tucker (uncredited), The Uptowners [Male Quartette] (uncredited), Corinne Varian (uncredited), Dorothy Vernon (uncredited), Barrett Whitelaw (uncredited), Robert J. Wilke (uncredited), Tudor Williams (uncredited), Bill Wolfe (uncredited), Sam Wolfe (uncredited) and Ortho Wright (uncredited)
Director: W.S. Van Dyke
Producers: Bernard H. Hyman, John Emerson and W.S. Van Dyke (uncredited)
Screenplay: Anita Loos (screenplay), Robert E. Hopkins (from the story) and Herman J. Mankiewicz (uncredited)
Composers: Edward Ward (uncredited) and Herbert Stothart (uncredited)
Costumes: Adrian (Gowns)
Cinematography: Oliver T. Marsh, A.S.C. (Director of Photography)
Special Visual Effects: A. Arnold Gillespie (uncredited), James Basevi (uncredited), Max Fabian [special photographic effects] (uncredited) and Russell A. Cully [earthquake sequence] (uncredited)
Image Resolution: 1080p (Black and White)
Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1
Audio: English: 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio
Subtitles: English
Running Time: 115 minutes
Region: All Regions
Number of discs: 1
Studio: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer / Warner Archive Collection
Andrew’s Blu-ray Review: ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ [1936] with this film, you will find it is superb example of studio-era filmmaking firing on all cylinders, and look no further with this stunning Warner Archive Collection Blu-ray release and viewing this film will totally impress you and will completely hooked for the duration of the film's 115 minutes.
The film ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ truly has everything, including the actor who might be the ultimate example of the 1930’s movie star, Clark Gable and the silver screen has always been a place where audiences flock to a larger-than-life spectacle. This was as true in the 1930s as it is today. One narrative pathway that creatives have followed for years is the blending of real-life events with a fictionalized story to bring about a hybrid tale that conjures up palpable emotions within the audience while giving them the safety net of a curated Hollywood gloss and directed by W. S. Van Dyke.
Throw in the combined star power of Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald and Spencer Tracey and you have a recipe for a sure-fire hit. The film was successful both financially and critically, earning the equivalent to a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards. Once again Warner Archive Collection has given a beloved treasure a new life which is a real treat for classic film fans.
To watch this film solely for the earthquake would be quite a taxing experience given how minor a part of the overall story that event will be. The true narrative at hand is the tale of Blackie Norton [Clark Gable], owner of one of the coolest clubs in town who lives his life as a real rake. Gable uses every ounce of his innate charm to bring about some semblance of likability to this larger-than-life character. Most nights Blackie Norton is the life of the party as he does his fair share of imbibing, gambling, skirt-chasing…all of the calling cards for a gentleman of a certain lifestyle. Blackie Norton’s immoral ways are not something that sits completely well with his best friend Father Tim Mullen [Spencer Tracy], a Roman Catholic priest who has been friends with Blackie Norton since childhood. Yet, where others may see an incorrigible fellow, Tim knows that Blackie Norton has a good heart underneath his devilish exterior. As is typical for these types of pictures, nothing ushers in personal change faster than the promise of love from a good woman – but for Blackie Norton it may take a bit longer than normal.
The angelic Mary Blake [Jeanette MacDonald] finds herself new to town and nearly penniless, but manages to find a place for her classically-trained voice at Blackie Norton’s establishment. The inevitable romance between the two is not one that provides the smoothest path forward. Blackie is not one to give up his free-wheeling lifestyle so easily, and his greed and carelessness often wins out when handling Mary Blake’s emotions. While Clark Gable may have the raw magnetism that makes him someone you want to root for to reform his ways, there are times where you wish Spencer Tracy was not playing a priest due to his lovely chemistry with Jeanette MacDonald The performances from all of the key players are really great all around, but the script sometimes feels a bit erratic or sparse. The key players seem to fall into a bit of a cyclical pattern as they wait for the climactic incident to occur and shake them up both figuratively and literally. Throughout the journey, you are treated to some enjoyable numbers that show off the immense vocal talents of Jeanette MacDonald.
The core drama of the story is a bit melodramatic at points, but the actors keep the action anchored when it counts. The character development that is set up throughout is paid off when we finally reach the grand spectacle that serves as one of the main draws of the film. Even from a modern perspective, the earthquake that rocks San Francisco is mighty impressive in its sheer level of destruction. The sequence itself is fairly brief considering what cinema has offered up in the interim, but the effectiveness of watching this city fall apart cannot be questioned. Even when you see the seams of the special effects during the chaos, you have to marvel at the brutal nature of scenarios that had to be somewhat novel at the time, such as structures crushing citizens or women falling from tall buildings. As to the technical achievement, this film is an excellent showing of its time period. As the film wraps up, it leans a little too heavily on the sentimentality and the rallying of American resolve, but it is a very nice enough conclusion for those with a less jaded perspective. The film’s script is imperfect, but the top-notch actor’s performances and technical wizardry makes up for this more than worthy of a viewing from fans of the Golden Age of Hollywood. But of course the 1936 special effects still have a huge, huge impact, especially when viewed in conjunction with Clark Gable's reactions to the total devastation around him. This is a must see film! It is just so great! I have seen it several times and never get tired of viewing it. Clark Gable was always such a great actor. This was one of his greatest!
Overall, if you love classic films with an epic scope and a lot of romance, you’ll love this film. However, it’s important to remember the time period the movie came out in. This is not a film that can be appreciated from a modern perspective. While the ending is a little heavy handed and preachy by today’s standards, no doubt at the time with The Great Depression in full swing the ending must have felt very inspirational and triumphant. So from that perspective, I found the ending quite moving, and especially with the coming of hard times to rebuild San Francisco. But eventually people will always triumph, which they always overcome in the end near the end the film dissolves showing modern San Francisco as we know it today.
SAN FRANCISCO MUSIC TRACK LIST
SAN FRANCISCO (1936) (Music by Bronislau Kaper and Walter Jurmann) (Lyrics by Gus Kahn) [Played during the opening credits and often in the score] [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald] [Reprised by Jeanette MacDonald and others at a political rally and at the end]
WOULD YOU (1936) (Music by Nacio Herb Brown) (Lyrics by Arthur Freed) [Played as dance music and as part of the score] [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald]
AULD LANG SYNE (1788) (uncredited) (Traditional Scottish 17th century music) (Lyrics by Robert Burns) [Played and sung during the ringing in of 1906]
HAIL! HAIL! THE GANG’S ALL HERE! (1917) (uncredited) (Music by Arthur Sullivan (1879) from "The Pirates of Penzance") (modified by Theodore Morse) [Played during the ringing in of 1906]
A HOT TIME IN THE OLD TOWN (1896) (uncredited) (Music by Theodore A. Metz) [Played during the ringing in of 1906 and at the saloon]
HOW DRY I AM (uncredited) (Traditional) [Played during the ringing in of 1906]
HAPPY NEW YEAR (1936) (uncredited) (Music by Bronislau Kaper and Walter Jurmann) (Lyrics by Gus Kahn) [Performed by Shirley Ross]
NOONTIME (uncredited) (Written by Ted Healy) [Performed by Ted Healy]
AFTER THE BALL (1892) (uncredited) Written by Charles Harris) [Played by the band at Blackie Norton's place]
LOVE ME AND THE WORLD IS MINE (1906) (uncredited) (Music by Ernest Ball) (Lyrics by Dave Reed Jr.) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald]
A HEART THAT’S FREE (1910) (uncredited) (Music by Alfred G. Robyn) (Lyrics by Thomas Railey) [Performed by Jeanette MacDonald]
THE HOLY CITY (1892) (uncredited) (Music by Stephen Adams) (Lyrics by Frederick Edward Weatherly) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald and chorus]
Faust: Air des bijoux (The Jewel Song) (1859) (uncredited) (Music by Charles Gounod) (Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald]
Faust: Me voilà toute seule (1859) (uncredited) (Music by Charles Gounod) (Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré) [Sung by Tandy MacKenzie behind dialogue]
Faust: Soldiers' Chorus (1859) (uncredited) (Music by Charles Gounod) (Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré) [Sung by Chorus]
Faust: Il se fait tard (1859) (uncredited) (Music by Charles Gounod) (Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald and Tandy MacKenzie]
Faust: Anges purs (1859) (uncredited) (Music by Charles Gounod) (Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald, Tandy MacKenzie and Tudor Williams]
Faust: Apotheosis (1859) (uncredited) (Music by Charles Gounod) (Libretto by Jules Barbier and Michel Carré)
RUFUS RUFUS JOHNSON BROWN (uncredited) (Music by Harry von Tilzer) (Lyrics by Andrew Sterling) [Played by the band at Blackie Norton's place]
TA-RA-RA BOOM-DER-É (1891) (uncredited) (Written by Henry J. Sayers) [Played by the band at Blackie Norton's place]
La Traviata: Sempre Libera (1853) (uncredited) (Music by Giuseppe Verdi) (Libretto by Francesco Maria Piave) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald]
AT A GEORGIA CAMP MEETING (1897) (uncredited) (Music by Kerry Mills) [Danced by Negro minstrels at the Chickens Ball]
THE PHILIPPINE DANCE (uncredited) (Written by Bob Carleton) [Performed by The Golden Gate Trio at the Chickens Ball]
NEARER TO MY GOD TO THEE (1856) (uncredited) (Music by Lowell Mason) (Lyrics by Sarah F. Adams) (1841) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald and chorus]
THE BATTLE OF THE HYMN OF THE REPUBLIC (circa 1856) (uncredited) (Music by William Steffe) (Lyrics by Julia Ward Howe) (1862) [Sung by Jeanette MacDonald and chorus]
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Blu-ray Image Quality – Warner Archive Collection presents us the film ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ with a brand new 1080p remaster from nitrate preservation elements. This lavish and ambitious production really shines in this spectacular presentation. The gorgeous black-and-white photography shot by Oliver T. Marsh sparkles in high definition with natural grain intact. The new transfer shows off a great amount of depth and enhanced detail within the film’s production design from the glitzy nightlife in Blackie’s club to the destruction in the wake of the earthquake. Black levels are very deep with no trace of any kind of compression artefacts. The contrast is well defined, and there is virtually no print damage to be found. There is a fantastic amount of detail present with nice textures on the clothing, such as the outfits worn by Mary Blake on stage. Warner Archive Collection once again proves why they are one of the best in the business.
Blu-ray Audio Quality – Warner Archive Collection brings us the film ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ with one standard 2.0 DTS-HD Master Audio experience that is much of a knockout as the video portion. Dialogue and background noises are represented in perfect harmony with all competing elements so that nothing sounds muddy in the mix. This track shows no discernible age related wear and tear such as popping or hissing. The composed music in the film is one of the most important aspects of the track, and the composed film score from Herbert Stothart and Edward Ward sounds excellent alongside the many musical numbers. The destruction that comes late in the film and packs quite a punch in a way that feels more powerful than most pictures from this era. This audio presentation is an A+ effort from Warner Archive Collection.
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Blu-ray Special Features and Extras:
Special Feature: Clark Gable: Clark Gable: Tall, Dark & Handsome [1996] [1080i] [1.37:1] [46:29] The Turner Network Television Presents A Jeff Lieberman/Ellen M. Krass Production the Black and White and Colour documentary entitled “Clark Gable: Clark Gable: Tall, Dark & Handsome,” and is hosted and narrated by Liam Neeson covering the actor Clark Gable from birth to death and quotes a Clark Gable personal comment about himself and acting, where he said, “I bring to a role, everything that I was, am, and hope to be.” Crowned "The King" of Hollywood actors, Clark Gabel starred alongside a constellation of leading ladies including Joan Crawford [Actress], Marion Davis [Actress], Claudette Colbert [Actress], Greta Garbo [Actress], Norma Shearer, Myrna Loy, , Lana Turner, Loretta Young, Vivian Leigh, , Ava Gardner, Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe and his beloved Carole Lombard. Most of us think we know a great deal about the actor Clark Gable, but it's a pleasure to have so much material on his life and career all in one showing of this documentary. Here one sees many short clips from other Clark Gable’s films that include: ‘The Painted Desert’ [1931], ‘Dance, Fools, Dance’ [1931], ‘Sporting Blood’ [1931], ‘A Free Soul’ [1931], ‘Susan Lenox: Her Fall And Rise’ [1931], ‘Hell Divers’ [1932], ‘Red Dust’ [1932], ‘No Man Of Her Own’ [1932], ‘The White Sister’ [1933], ‘Dancing Lady’ [1933], ‘Hold Your Man’ [1933], ‘It Happened One Night’ [1934], ‘Mutiny On The Bounty’ [1935], ‘China Seas [1935], ‘The Call Of The Wild’ [1935], ‘Love On The Run’ [1936], ‘My Man Godfrey’ [1936], ‘Saratoga’ [1938], ‘Too Hot To Handle’ [1938], ‘Test Pilot’ [1938], ‘Idiot’s Delight’ [1939], ‘Gone With The Wind’ [1939], ‘Strange Cargo’ [1940], ‘Boomtown’ [1940], ‘Adventure’ [1945], ‘Command Decision’ [1948], ‘Any Number Can Play’ [1949], ‘Key to the City’ [1950], ‘Mogambo’ [1953], ‘But Not For Me’ 1959] and ‘The Misfits’ [1961]. Here Liam Neeson gets show us around the indoor and outdoor setting of the home Clark Gable shared with wife Carole Lombard, and many mementos therein, where the Clark Gable family liked to relax and to be themselves. We also get to view some rare colour home-movie footage and newsreel clips with this distinguish documentary. I especially enjoyed the interviews with Clark Gable's children, and neither of them knew him and their sense of loss is quite heart-breaking. However, this documentary is very well done and it tells both the good and the-not-so-good about Clark Gable himself. Contributors include: Liam Neeson [Host], Carroll Baker [Actress], Melville Shavelson [Director], James Bacon [Hollywood Columnist], Judy Lewis [Clark Gable's Daughter], Robert Wagner [Actor/Friend], Robert Stack [Actor/Friend], Eli Wallach [Actor], Frank E. Taylor [Producer] and John Clark Gable [Clark Gable's Son].
Special Feature: Vintage M-G-M Happy Harmonies Classic Cartoon: Bottles [1936] [1080p] [1.37:1] [10:16] Here we get to view a dark and stormy night in a drugstore. The druggist mixes a potion and falls asleep. The skull-and-crossbones on the bottle comes to life and drips the potion on the druggist, shrinking him. The baby bottle starts crying (in three-part harmony). The druggist lights a lantern, then plays a perfume atomizer like bagpipes, bringing a bottle of Scotch Whiskey to life. Other bottles that come alive include smelling salts, bath salts, Listerine, perfume, India ink (doing a snake charmer bit with some Cobra toothpaste). A Dutch boy and girl go figure skating on a mirror, with help from some talcum-powder snow. The druggist wraps a pipe around himself and plays it as a tuba. The skull and crossbones hatch a nefarious scheme, helped by the witch hazel and spirits of ammonia ghosts. He gets sent through distilling apparatus and is otherwise mangled and then he wakes up. Voice Cast: Bernice Hansen [Various] (uncredited), Delos Jewkes [Various] (uncredited), Frank Nelson [Various] (uncredited), Elmore Vincent [Various] (uncredited) and Martha Wentworth [Various] (uncredited). Director: Hugh Harman (uncredited). Producers: Hugh Harman and Rudolf Ising. Composer: Scott Bradley (uncredited).
Special Feature: Cavalcade of San Francisco [1940] [480i] [1.37:1] [8:55] Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents James A. FitzPatrick’s TRAVELTALKS that is “The Voice of the Globe,” that was photographed in Technicolor by Bob Carney, where they present the travelogue CAVALCADE OF SAN FRANCISCO celebrating San Francisco – past and present and was produced and narrated by James A. FitzPatrick. This travelogue of San Francisco, California begins crossing the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Toll Bridge into the title city, which is the most important city in Northern California as its gateway to the region. The city grew up from the missions built here in the late sixteenth century, the location being seen as favourable to the Franciscan monks. Because of this heritage, there are still many cathedrals dotted throughout the city. Perhaps the city's most famous landmark is the Golden Gate Bridge, the longest single span bridge in the world. The Palace of Fine Arts is a remnant of the World's Fair held in the city in 1915. Another part of San Francisco's history centres on the pageantry includes covered wagons showing pioneers from the east making their way westward in caravans with nothing more than faith in the potential of the Golden West; the Wells Fargo stagecoach establishing contact between east and west; the advent of the Iron Horse and the meeting of the Union Pacific with Central Pacific; and finally, views of San Francisco at the turn of the 19th century. Summing up: This was a very well done documentary with many points of interest.
Special Feature: Night Descends on Treasure Island [1940] [480i] [1.37:1] [8:06] Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer presents James A. FitzPatrick’s TRAVELTALKS that is “The Voice of the Globe,” that was photographed in Technicolor by Bob Carney, where they present the travelogue NIGHT DESCENDS ON TREASURE ISLAND, and was produced and narrated by James A. FitzPatrick. With this Technicolor travelogue it celebrates the 1939 Golden Gate Exposition and highlighting the Golden Gate International Exposition at night, as well as the decorative fountains and a dancing-light show and I thought the Technicolor was put to perfect use during the light show as some of the images are just so amazing that you really want to pause the film and really take everything in. Approximately half of the documentary lf just over eight minutes are spent inside the Palace of Fine and Decorative Arts. We see paintings by Jan de Bray, Titian, François-Hubert Drouais, Louise Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, Raphael, James Chapin, and Thomas Hart Benton.
Special Feature: Alternate Ending Sequence [1948] [480i] [1.37:1] [0:37] Here we get to view a silent alternate ending of the film , which was inserted into the film for its 1948 reissue, and here we get to view the extended montage in which the wreckage of San Francisco is slowly smouldering after the dramatic earthquake and then the image slowly dissolves revealing the modern thriving city rebuilt of the revitalized modern San Francisco.
Re-issue Theatrical Trailer [1948] [1080p] [1.37:1] [2:00] Here we get to view a rare 1948 re-release preview of the film ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ that announces the return of the classic film to movie theatres which plays up the grand spectacle of the feature film. They announce that by special arrangement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, where they present for a limited return engagement . . . ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ with this reissue trailer, and shows you a great selection of scenes of what you get to view in the film, and they announce, “A BLAZING ROMANCE started when HE met HER and she’s Lovely to look at and heaven to kiss but hard to hold. Where roaring . . . flaming vibrant romance of the lusty days when the Barbary Coast was the boldest district from Singapore to Paris, and starred CLARK GABLE – King of the Barbary Coast, Jeanette McDonald – Queen of the Opera, with Spencer Tracy, Jack Holt and A MIGHTY DRAMA etched in the Shadows of a COLORFUL CITY, before Disaster struck.” You get to view a very dramatic trailer, that makes you want to view the film ‘SAN FRANCISCO.’
Finally, ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ makes really good use of the triple-threat of Clark Gable, Jeanette MacDonald and Spencer Tracy. These three sizzle when they are on screen with one another, but the script leaves a bit to be desired as it circles back to certain plot elements one too many times. Nevertheless, the performance mixed with the spectacle of mass destruction that caps off this film is enough to recommend a viewing. Warner Archive Collection has given this one a splendid Blu-ray with a magnificent A/V presentation and some particularly worthwhile special features. , ‘SAN FRANCISCO’ is an example of the kind of big movies Hollywood could make when a studio wished to do so. While it’s not a particularly great film, it’s good enough to represent a style and presentation that reflects the time in which it was made. If you are a fan of any of the performers, this one should be added to your list. On top of all that, the music in the film is pretty great too, most notably the now very famous anthem song, “San Francisco.” Highly Recommended!
Andrew C. Miller – Your Ultimate No.1 Film Aficionado
Le Cinema Paradiso
United Kingdom
