In Republic's musical remake of "San Francisco", the songs are mostly handled by Ann Dvorak, although Virginia Grey also has two or three. As might be expected, production values are extremely lavish by Republic's usual standards. The earthquake is spectacularly staged, even though it occupies less screen footage than the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer version. The film also benefits greatly from Robert De Grasse's expert photography. He even manages to make Ann Dvorak look enticingly attractive. Her Adele Palmer costumes also help. Joseph Kane's direction rises well above his usual humble standard, making full use of the spectacular sets with effective crane and tracking shots. Dick Van Enger's snappy film editing also helps. The support cast headed by Joseph Schildkraut and Paul Fix is A-1. Snappy musical numbers with their nice chorus lines and zippy score also come as a nice surprise. And even the dialogue is remarkably bright and with-it by Republic standards. Altogether a most enjoyable effort which actually seems to improve on subsequent viewings.
Review of Flame of Barbary Coast
