San Francisco Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A saloon owner, a priest, and an opera singer all get shaken up in San Francisco, literally.

🍿 San Francisco: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival at the Paradise

Mary Blake, a talented singer, arrives in San Francisco seeking employment. She finds herself at ‘Paradise’, a gambling hall run by the charismatic but unscrupulous Blackie Norton. Despite an initial awkward encounter, Blackie hires Mary, recognizing her exceptional vocal talent. Her arrival sets the stage for a clash between her aspirations and Blackie’s control.

Opera vs. Saloon

Mary’s singing attracts the attention of Jack Burley, a wealthy opera house owner, who offers her a prestigious opportunity. Blackie, bound by a contract, refuses to release her, leading to conflict. Mary is torn between her loyalty to Blackie and her dreams of becoming a renowned opera singer. The tension escalates as both men vie for her attention and talent.

The Chicken Ball and Rivalry

Mary becomes a star at the Tivoli opera house, but Blackie’s influence still lingers. He attempts to sabotage her success, fueled by jealousy and possessiveness. At the annual ‘Chicken Ball,’ a major social event, Mary sings a song on behalf of ‘Paradise’, winning the competition. This event becomes the backdrop for the devastating earthquake that changes everything.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Blackie Norton (Clark Gable): A charismatic but ruthless Barbary Coast saloonkeeper who falls for a singer and is challenged by his past and the city’s elite.
• Mary Blake (Jeanette MacDonald): A talented and virtuous singer torn between her love for Blackie and her ambition to become an opera star.
• Father Tim Mullin (Spencer Tracy): Blackie’s childhood friend and a Catholic priest who serves as his moral compass, guiding him toward redemption.
• Jack Burley (Jack Holt): A wealthy Nob Hill socialite and opera house owner who competes with Blackie for Mary’s affections and professional services.
• Mrs. Maisie Burley (Jessie Ralph): Jack’s mother, a society maven who provides a glimpse into the world of the San Francisco elite.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Burley: “Well, there’s no law against an opera singer being slender, young and beautiful.” – Said in reference to Mary Blake when offering her a chance to sing at the Tivoli Opera House.
• Prologue Narrator: “San Francisco–guardian of the Golden Gate–stands today a Queen among seaports–industrious, mature, respectable. But perhaps she dreams of the Queen and city she was–splendid and sensuous, vulgar, and magnificent–that perished suddenly with a cry still heard in the hearts of those who knew her, at exactly 5:15 a.m. April 18, 1906.” – This sets the tone and historical context for the film.
• Blackie Norton: “God? Hey, isn’t he supposed to be taking care of the suckers that come out of the missions looking for something to eat and a place to sleep?” – Blackie’s cynical response to Mary when she expresses her religious beliefs.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $1.3M
• Domestic Gross: $5.27M
• Worldwide Gross: $5.27M

💥 San Francisco Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I’m not the biggest fan of musicals, and Jeanette MacDonald’s voice can get a *little* piercing, but ‘San Francisco’ has this undeniable charm. Seeing Gable be all roguish and then watching the city crumble around him? Powerful stuff! I actually gasped during the earthquake scene. It really shows how people can pull through and rise above the ashes.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic Hollywood films”
  • “Those interested in disaster movies”
  • “Viewers who appreciate musical dramas”
  • “Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy fans”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of a natural disaster”
  • “Mild peril”
  • “Some dated cultural representations”

Professional Reviews

• Classic Movie Buff: “While the melodramatic plot and Jeanette MacDonald’s sometimes grating vocals might not appeal to everyone, the earthquake sequence is a stunning feat of filmmaking for its time. Gable and Tracy are superb, elevating the film beyond its soapy elements.
• Historical Film Review: “San Francisco’s historical accuracy is questionable, but its depiction of the city’s spirit and the sheer scale of the disaster are captivating. The film captures the resilience of San Franciscans in the face of unimaginable loss, showcasing the city’s determination to rebuild.
• Old Timey Movies: “Even 80 years later, this is an amazing piece of movie making. I’ve seen so many movies, and the special effects in this film hold up for the time it was made. While parts of the movie could be seen as boring, you have to respect what they were able to do.

Audience Reactions

The earthquake scene is breathtaking and remains impressive even by modern standards.: Viewers consistently praise the groundbreaking special effects of the earthquake sequence.

The song ‘San Francisco’ became the anthem for the town, and represents the city to this day.: Viewers praise the musical choices, which have become cultural phenomenons.

Overall Consensus: A classic melodrama elevated by its groundbreaking special effects and strong performances, though some find the musical elements and religious themes dated.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Sound Recording)- 1937

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Clark Gable initially didn’t want to star in the film but was convinced by MGM studio head Louis B. Mayer.”
• “The earthquake sequence was directed by Slavko Vorkapich, who specialized in montage and special effects.”
• “The song ‘San Francisco’ became the city’s official song, although it later faced competition from ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco’.”
• “To avoid controversy, the scene of Blackie punching Father Tim was justified by adding a boxing scene earlier in the film.”

🖥️ How to Watch San Francisco?

As a classic film, ‘San Francisco’ (1936) is available through various channels. Check streaming services like Prime Video, Apple TV, and other platforms for rental or purchase options. DVD and Blu-ray copies are also readily available from online retailers, offering a physical copy for your collection.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed San Francisco, you might like these similar films:

• In Old Chicago (1938): Similar disaster epic set in a historical city, focusing on a major fire and its impact on characters’ lives.
• Titanic (1997): Combines a historical disaster with a central love story, emphasizing the human drama amidst tragedy.
• The Hurricane (1937): Another disaster film from the same era, focusing on the destructive power of nature and its impact on human lives and relationships.
• Earthquake (1974): Focuses on the spectacle of a natural disaster decimating a major city, similar to the earthquake sequence in ‘San Francisco’.

🛒 San Francisco Related Products

• San Francisco (1936) – DVD: Own the classic film on DVD and experience the groundbreaking special effects and memorable performances in your own home.
• Clark Gable: A Life in Pictures: A visual biography showcasing Clark Gable’s illustrious career, including behind-the-scenes photos from ‘San Francisco’.
• The Earthquake Encyclopedia: Learn the history and effects of earthquakes around the world. A great companion to understand the context and details of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake.
• San Francisco Cityscape Poster: A vintage-style poster depicting the iconic San Francisco skyline, reminiscent of the film’s setting.

🎧 Soundtrack

San Francisco features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “San Francisco” – performed by Jeanette MacDonald
• “Would You?” – performed by Jeanette MacDonald
• “Sempre Libera from La Traviata” – performed by Jeanette MacDonald
• “Nearer, My God, to Thee” – performed by Jeanette MacDonald

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Basic Film Analysis – Introduction to Film

Ever wonder what makes a movie *really* good? This video breaks down film analysis in a super easy way, covering everything from camera angles to sound. Honestly, after watching this, you’ll see movies in a whole new light!

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