san francisco

Jeanette’s “San Francisco” played in SF Theater last month

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I missed this when it was first published but it’s still a great article praising Jeanette MacDonald.

Last month was the 90th anniversary of San Francisco’s last movie palace, the Castro Theatre. Among the classic films to be screened to celebrate this was San Francisco. Sean Martinfield, a San Francisco cultural critic for the Huffington Post, wrote the following:

The Castro Theatre’s Anniversary roster of films features some of Hollywood’s greatest Leading Ladies, particularly those who are in the canon of Gay Icons…. Highest on this list of must-sees — especially if you’ve never seen it in a theatre and, specifically, the Castro — is San Francisco starring Jeanette MacDonald, Clark Gable and Spencer Tracy. The film features the city’s “official song” and what is still regarded as being among the most effective special effects ever created — the 1906 Earthquake and Fire. Its sharp witted screenwriter Anita Loos had already created fiery successes for Jean Harlow — Red-Headed Woman, The Girl from Missouri, Riffraff — and would go on to fashion more box office hits including The Women, Susan and God, Blossoms in the Dust, and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Clark Gable was at first disinterested in the project. Soprano Jeanette MacDonald, a real red-headed woman, went to work on him. Even though she was considered one of the most beautiful stars in the film industry, Gable probably agreed to sign because of the literary flare of Anita Loos and his tailor-made role of “Blackie Norton” — also, director W.S. (“one take Woodie”) Van Dyke would encourage his newly grown moustache. Young Spencer Tracy received his first Academy Award nomination for playing a priest and Douglas Shearer (brother of Norma) took his third Oscar for Sound. And the title song, “San Francisco,” written for Jeanette MacDonald by Bronislau Kaper, would secure her immortality by forever linking her to the city, aka, “Baghdad by the Bay.”….

It’s a shame that Jeanette did not record “San Francisco” at the time the film was released. Her voice was in fantastic shape and the arrangement would have replicated the vitality she displayed in the film. As it turned out, and in spite of her objections, she recorded the song for RCA in 1950 and then tried to have it suppressed. The version included the jazzier section featured in the film, just prior to the quake. Miss MacDonald hated the end results. The recording was re-released in 1967 as a 45 rpm and is now included in a wide variety of CD complications….

In May 1984, just prior to the Democratic National Convention held at Moscone Center, Quentin Kopp, a member of the City’s Board of Supervisors, proposed an ordinance to have the 1936 composition established as the city’s “Official Song” — replacing “I Left My Heart In San Francisco” — arguing that it was mushy and outdated. A lively challenge followed. Then-Mayor Diane Feinstein was on a campaign to have the cable cars refurbished in time for the Convention and was determined that she and singer Tony Bennett would enjoy a unique photo-op as the first car rolled onto the tracks. The Board of Supervisors let the public decide. At their regular Tuesday meeting, broadcast on the radio, the rival factions assembled various musicians to perform the separate songs as the public (including me!) phoned in their votes. Bronisalu Kaper’s “San Francisco” was the overwhelming favorite. Turns out, Blackie Norton was right — “This is about San Francisco!” Nevertheless, Mr. Kopp offered a happy compromise. “San Francisco” was declared the Official Song and that other tune named Official Ballad. (Note: This year, during an affectionate Valentine’s Day salute to Tony Bennett under the dome at City Hall, the 86-year-old crooner remained mute on the subject and refrained from singing.)….

M.G.M.’s San Francisco will survive the Test of Time, and is destined to be adapted to every format ever imagined. Like The City itself, Jeanette MacDonald remains a gorgeous and temperamental Diva. She will always be the “First Lady of San Francisco”.

Link to complete article.

Jeanette MacDonald’s San Francisco re-opens Lincolnshire Theatre

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Here’s a nice tribute to Jeanette, as published in UK:

Flashback to 1937 for grand reopening of Lincoln’s Ritz cinema

A fund-raising project to pay for the reopening of Lincoln’s Ritz cinema is under way and to help boost the coffers, the team behind the revamp will screen the first ever film which was shown at the venue….

The year was 1937. Neville Chamberlain became Prime Minister, the 999 emergency number was first introduced and The Hobbit was published sending shock waves through the world of literature.

Meanwhile, in Lincoln, The Ritz cinema in High Street opened its doors for the very first time, changing entertainment in the city forever.

The Ritz quickly became a bustling hub for residents, offering the latest cinematic releases and live entertainment.

And since the announcement from Off the Bench last week that the much-loved landmark would be reopened to the public, excitement from residents has been paramount, matching that of 1937.

On Saturday, February 22, The Ritz will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

And the Echo can now exclusively reveal that Off the Bench will be hosting a special screening of San Francisco – the first film ever shown at the cinema, starring Academy Award-winning and iconic actor Clark Gable.

While the original cinema seating has long-since been ripped away, temporary chairs will be set up to cater for the audience, although admission is limited and on a first-come, first-served basis.

For many, it will be the first chance to see inside The Ritz in 15 years. And bosses at Off the Bench hope those who attend the free event will be moved to pledge their support to the venue.

Pete Genders, chief executive officer at Off the Bench, said: “After some consultation with our Facebook steering group, the decision was made to screen San Francisco staring Clark Gable and Jeanette MacDonald.

“This has been chosen as it was the first film ever screened at The Ritz when they originally opened in 1937.

“The aim of the evening is to give local people and businesses a chance to view the building in the semi-derelict state that it is and give them an idea of just how much help and support is needed both manually and financially.

“We hope that from the evening we will find some local businesses who want to invest in this fantastic community project and also draw attention to our ‘sponsor a seat’ and season ticket appeal.”

As previously reported in the Echo, the refit of the cinema is expected to cost around £750,000. To help drum up funds, Off the Bench is appealing to local businesses to sponsor one of the 480 new seats for £100. Film fans can also buy an advance season ticket to the cinema for the same price.

It is hoped the cinema will be used as a social space while serving as a bridge between the local and migrant community in Lincoln’s city centre.

Architects and builders at Sam Reid Services Ltd have now completed building plans which are currently being compared with the original blueprints found at Lincoln Archives.

The theatre phone number is: 01522 837293 in case you would like to visit it or help out!

Link

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