JohnHowardReid Even more impressive than most of the well-known silent titles, this movie is a real discovery! In fact, pictorially and dramatically it is one of the best silents ever made! Alan Crosland's riveting "Old San Francisco" (1927) would be most difficult to go past. For one thing, Dolores Costello is surely the most convincingly beautiful heroine of all time. On the other side of ledger, name someone who can present a more thoroughly nasty display of villainy than that so masterfully enacted by the great Warner Oland. The support cast is likewise legendary: Charles Emmett Mack as the hero (a fine actor who was killed in a car accident three months before this film was released); Angelo Rossitto in perhaps his largest and most sympathetic part; always-welcome Anna May Wong in a promising but ultimately small role; and the Prologue's Martha Mattox, casting aside her sinister persona. (You can't have everything, even in a lavishly directed masterpiece such as this). Available on a 10/10 Warner Archive DVD.

GeoPierpont Accidentally came across this film on TCM as Sunday evenings were typically relegated for this film type. Against my better judgement, I decided to persevere since one cannot predict what film footage may be used from the 1920's that document the history of a world famous city. I was fascinated with the street scenes and especially the beautiful Dolores Costello. The prologue created an intrigue of mystery and history combined that hooked me into further viewing and with no misgivings! I found the treatment of the Asian community completely horrifying but know there was truth to this aspect of racism that hopefully has long passed. The secret tunnels underground, the 'trading' business, seemly characters and abusive brothers made for compelling drama.I enjoyed the love story between the Mexican girl and Irish boy. Have interacted with this ethic coupling once in my life and the match made for an eternal love affair. Enjoyed the sweet, simple yet heartfelt emotions portrayed on screen in silence, save for the perfectly sublime music score.The earthquake scene was most anticipated and worth waiting for as the special effects were profoundly realistic for this time period. I was absolutely amazed at the director's ability to shoot many difficult scenes i.e. underground chase scene, tunnel travel, exterior city shots, close ups, and more.Very pleased with this format and will give the silent treatment a thumbs up for future viewing!

MartinHafer One thing you sure have to say about OLD SAN FRANCISCO is that it is a very lovely film to see. The print, though very old, is in almost pristine shape (at least the version they showed on Turner Classic Movies) and the soundtrack exceptional. In addition, the director and cinematographer were absolutely brilliant--making the most of every scene with the most artistic touch for a silent I have seen in a very long time. Delores Costello is simply luminous thanks to them and so many of the scenes were treats for the eyes--such as the scene between Costello and her suitor at the fountain. It just doesn't get much prettier than this.As for the story, it was nice to see that Hollywood was trying to be sensitive towards Hispanic-Americans, as they are shown in a very sympathetic light. A major problem is that despite being so very pro-minority, none of the people playing these roles are Hispanic--a very common problem in Hollywood until the 1960s (and sometimes beyond). Today such a practice would be condemned--in 1927, it was par for the course. In this film, Delores Costello did a great job acting (she was terrific), but she looked about as Hispanic as Shirley Temple. If you don't believe me that such casting was common, try watching a Charlie Chan or Mr. Moto film---as these characters were repeatedly played by actors of European descent. In fact, Warner Oland who popularized the Chan role is even in this film playing the role of a big dumb jerk who happens to be a Mongolian man posing as a White man! Oh, and most of the Asians in this film are drug dealers, pimps or assorted low-lifes, so I am pretty sure Asian-Americans probably didn't line up to see this film! The story is about a family of noble Spanish blood living in San Francisco in the early 20th century. Though they have lived there before the Americans arrived, they are continually treated like outsiders as the Anglos and Chinese gangs take advantage of them again and again. Thanks to a nice young Irishman who has fallen for sweet Delores, the family has a benefactor and things might work out for the better....or not! See it for yourself to see if sweet Delores manages to escape the lecherous clutches of the Chinese underworld white slavers and greedy land speculators (for a hint: God doesn't like what is happening and perhaps He'll have to intervene).Despite the film's many shortcomings and overt racism as well as a sappy ending (all of which can be understood based on the age of the film and prevailing social mores), the film certainly IS exciting--mostly because of its scandalous subject matter and fast pace. This combined with the artistic nature of the film make it a film worth seeing. Just don't let your politically correct friends and co-workers know! The sight of Oland's midget brother kept locked in a cage throughout the film like a dog is just too much to bear.

wes-connors Through 1906, the proud Vasquez family has prospered in San Francisco; it is the land the Spanish family helped conquer, and settle. The sweetest rose in the Vasquez Rancho's fair garden is dreamy Dolores Costello (as Dolores Vasquez). Senorita Costello catches the eye, and heart, of Irish gentleman Charles Emmett Mack (as Terrence O'Shaughnessy), a business acquaintance distrusted by patriarch Josef Swickard (as Don Hernandez de Vasquez). Mr. Swickard wants his grand-daughter to marry another Spaniard, preferably a rich one. Then, cruel and crafty Warner Oland (as Chris Buckwell) and his Chinese "Mongol" gang threaten Dolores' life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness.A relatively well-produced Darryl F. Zanuck silent. The time and place of "Old San Francisco" gives away the ending; of course, it's the great 1906 earthquake. Photographer Hal Mohr and director Alan Crosland collaborate for some nice images; for example, the shadowy Oland/Mack fight, and Chinatown's underground labyrinth. Supporting player Anna May Wong barely appears; but, Angelo Rossita is cute as a caged dwarf related to the villainous Mr. Oland.Unfortunately, the story wavers between ludicrous and despicable. If it weren't all so silly, it might have been even more offensive. *** Old San Francisco (6/21/27) Alan Crosland ~ Dolores Costello, Charles Emmett Mack, Warner Oland