The first three quarters of "San Francisco" appear to have been constructed to showcase the talents of Jeanette MacDonald. As Mary Blake she wanders into the saloon/night club "The Paradise" which is owned by Blackie Norton (Clark Gable). While singing in the club she is approached by Norton's uptown rival Jack Burley (Jack Holt) who promises her a chance to sing in an opera. The two men compete for Mary's favor and she is forced to choose between them. Meanwhile Norton's life long friend Father Mullin (Spencer Tracy) tries to get him to mend his ways while at the same time befriending Mary. Blackie has Mary under contract but Burley can offer more.
Before the matter can be settled the infamous 1906 San Francisco earthquake takes place. The special effects in the sequence are breath taking. Remember there were no computers in 1936. Through the skillful use of miniatures, rear projection and other tricks, the illusion of a tragic chapter in the city's history becomes almost real.
As to the performances, Clark Gable is well, Clark Gable playing the cynical wise cracking, fast talking character he usually played in those days. And yes he is out to make money, is not committed and has several girls (Shirley Ross, Margaret Irving) in waiting. Jeanette MacDonald seems a little out of her depth in this setting although she is in fine voice as always. Spencer Tracy does the best he can in a limited role. And oh yes, there is another of MGM's sweet crusty old ladies in the person of Jesse Ralph as Burley's wise old mother.
Superb production values, great direction (W.S. Van Dyke) and jaw dropping special effects make this a better film than it ought to be. Watch out for a typical hokey Hollywood ending.
Before the matter can be settled the infamous 1906 San Francisco earthquake takes place. The special effects in the sequence are breath taking. Remember there were no computers in 1936. Through the skillful use of miniatures, rear projection and other tricks, the illusion of a tragic chapter in the city's history becomes almost real.
As to the performances, Clark Gable is well, Clark Gable playing the cynical wise cracking, fast talking character he usually played in those days. And yes he is out to make money, is not committed and has several girls (Shirley Ross, Margaret Irving) in waiting. Jeanette MacDonald seems a little out of her depth in this setting although she is in fine voice as always. Spencer Tracy does the best he can in a limited role. And oh yes, there is another of MGM's sweet crusty old ladies in the person of Jesse Ralph as Burley's wise old mother.
Superb production values, great direction (W.S. Van Dyke) and jaw dropping special effects make this a better film than it ought to be. Watch out for a typical hokey Hollywood ending.