Movies at Mechanics' Presents San Francisco (``1936)

Produced to honor the 30th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco leverages an all-star cast to pay tribute to old San Francisco, through the lens of its colorful characters. Clark Gable (three years before Gone With the Wind) plays Blackie Norton, a saloonkeeper and politician in the Barbary Coast area of San Francisco. When he hires Mary Blake (Jeanette MacDonald) to sing at his saloon, he falls in love with her. But Blackie soon learns that he’s not the only one. Romantic problems ensue…until disaster strikes.

Screenwriter Anita Loos based Blackie Norton on Wilson Mizner, one of the most memorable figures in Barbary Coast-era San Francisco. Mizner had died in 1933, and Loos knew how much MGM head of production Irving Thalberg admired him. When Loos and co-writer Robert “Hoppy” Hopkins brought their story to Thalberg, they received an enthusiastic response and the project was immediately approved.

Soon afterward, Jeanette MacDonald became the film’s champion. She was known as one of the industry’s finest singers, but was eager to try her hand at a dramatic part, and to exert more control over her career. She felt that the role of Mary Blake was perfect for her aspirations. MacDonald took control of the project, and insisted that Clark Gable play Blackie Norton. Gable initially declined the role, but MacDonald was so persistent that she put her next movie on hold, without pay, until he agreed. In order to keep the wheels of production rolling, MGM bosses sided with MacDonald and threatened Gable with suspension if he didn’t take the role. Finally, he did. Shortly thereafter, Spencer Tracy joined the cast as Father Mullin, Blackie Norton’s best friend. The character of Father Mullin brings a real humanity to the film, and Tracy plays him to perfection, setting the course for the rest of his career.

The film premiered to tremendous acclaim. Irving Thalberg, however, did not live to see it. He died before the screenplay was even completed, and the film then became more personal to Loos. “Wilson Mizner had died,” she later wrote, “and our movie would be the means of waving both him and Irving a last good-by."

Join us for a truly delightful San Francisco story, complete with music, romance, and a breathtaking earthquake sequence that pushes the boundaries of 1930s special effects. As always, come early to see the pre-show, which includes a newsreel, vintage commercials, and fun film clips!

Co-hosted via Zoom with Katie Gardner, one of the world’s foremost Jeanette MacDonald experts.

Movies at Mechanics' has welcomed film enthusiasts for classic cinema screenings and salons on Friday evenings for over 20 years. Join us for fresh popcorn, lively discourse, and your favorite films the first three Fridays of the month. Hosted by Lara Gabrielle, film writer and author of Captain of Her Soul: The Life of Marion Davies.

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