Old San Francisco

Plot

Set in 1906 San Francisco, the film follows the story of the Vasquez family, a proud Spanish family struggling to maintain their ancestral home against the machinations of Chris Buckwell, a corrupt politician and crime boss who seeks to acquire their property for his own nefarious purposes. When the family's young daughter, Dolores, falls in love with Terrence O'Day, an honest Irishman, Buckwell uses his underworld connections to frame Terrence and drive the family from their home. The story culminates in the devastating 1906 earthquake that destroys much of San Francisco, bringing both destruction and redemption as the city's corrupt elements are exposed and the true nature of the characters is revealed. In the aftermath, love triumphs over greed as the Vasquez family and Terrence work together to rebuild their lives and the city.

Historical Background

The film was produced during a pivotal moment in cinema history, as the industry was transitioning from silent films to sound pictures. Released in 1927, the same year as 'The Jazz Singer,' 'Old San Francisco' represents the technological bridge between these two eras. The film's depiction of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake resonated strongly with 1920s audiences, many of whom had personal or family connections to the disaster. The story also reflected contemporary anxieties about urban corruption, immigration, and the rapid modernization of American cities. The late 1920s saw a surge of films dealing with historical disasters and social issues, as filmmakers explored more mature themes while the Production Code was still being developed and enforced.

Making Of

The production of 'Old San Francisco' was a massive undertaking that pushed the boundaries of filmmaking in 1927. The earthquake sequence, which forms the film's climactic finale, required the construction of an elaborate miniature set that filled an entire soundstage. Director Alan Crosland worked closely with special effects technicians to create realistic destruction using innovative techniques including forced perspective, wire work, and carefully timed explosives. The film's use of Vitaphone technology represented a significant technical achievement, as Warner Bros. was experimenting with sound synchronization before committing to full talking pictures. The cast faced additional challenges working with the new sound equipment, as they had to time their movements to match pre-recorded musical cues and sound effects. The production also included extensive location photography in San Francisco to capture authentic footage of the city, which was then combined with studio shots and miniature work.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Byron Haskin was notable for its innovative use of multiple camera techniques to capture both intimate dramatic moments and spectacular action sequences. The earthquake sequence employed groundbreaking combination shots that mixed full-scale sets with miniatures, creating a seamless illusion of destruction. Haskin utilized moving camera shots and dramatic lighting to enhance the film's emotional impact, particularly in the romantic scenes between Dolores Costello and Charles Emmett Mack. The San Francisco location photography provided authentic establishing shots that were skillfully integrated with studio work, creating a convincing vision of the city both before and after the disaster.

Innovations

The film's most significant technical achievement was its use of the Vitaphone sound-on-disc system for synchronized music and sound effects. The earthquake sequence featured groundbreaking special effects using a combination of full-scale sets, miniatures, and innovative camera techniques. The production also employed early forms of process photography to blend location footage with studio work. The film's title design, which won an Academy Award, featured elaborate lettering and artistic elements that enhanced the period atmosphere. The movie also demonstrated early mastery of continuity editing across multiple locations and time periods, maintaining narrative coherence despite the complex production requirements.

Music

The film featured a synchronized musical score composed by Louis Silvers, performed by the Vitaphone Orchestra. The score included adaptations of popular songs of the early 1900s as well as original compositions that underscored the dramatic action. Sound effects were carefully synchronized to enhance key moments, particularly during the earthquake sequence where the sounds of collapsing buildings, screaming crowds, and cracking earth were mixed with the musical score. This use of synchronized sound was relatively new in 1927 and represented a significant technical achievement that helped elevate the film's emotional impact.

Memorable Scenes

• The spectacular 1906 earthquake sequence that destroys miniature San Francisco in a blaze of special effects brilliance
• The romantic meeting between Dolores and Terrence at the family hacienda
• The confrontation scene between the honest Irishman and the corrupt crime boss
• The final scene of hope and rebuilding as survivors survey the devastated city

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics praised 'Old San Francisco' for its ambitious scope and technical achievements. The New York Times hailed it as 'a spectacular production that combines romance, drama, and thrilling action in a most entertaining fashion.' Variety particularly commended the earthquake sequence as 'the most realistic and terrifying ever put on film.' Modern critics and film historians recognize the movie as an important transitional work that showcases both the height of silent filmmaking artistry and the emerging possibilities of sound cinema. The film is often cited in studies of early special effects and disaster movies, with particular attention paid to its innovative use of miniatures and composite photography.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a substantial commercial success upon its release, particularly in San Francisco where it broke box office records. Audiences were thrilled by the spectacular earthquake sequence and the romantic storyline. The movie's combination of action, romance, and historical drama appealed to a wide range of viewers, helping it achieve strong international distribution. Contemporary audience surveys indicated that the synchronized musical score and sound effects were particularly well-received, with many viewers noting how they enhanced the emotional impact of key scenes. The film's success helped convince Warner Bros. executives to invest more heavily in sound technology, leading directly to the production of 'The Jazz Singer' later that year.

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