San Francisco
San Francisco Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 16, 2026
Movie Overview: San Francisco
| Movie | San Francisco |
| Release Year | 1936 |
| Director | W.S. Van Dyke |
| Genre | Drama / Romance / Music |
| Runtime | 115 minutes (1h 55m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is San Francisco (1936) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.6/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in San Francisco are led by Clark Gable . The supporting cast, including Jeanette MacDonald and Spencer Tracy , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
San Francisco stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, San Francisco has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: San Francisco
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1936, San Francisco is a Drama, Romance, Music film directed by W.S. Van Dyke, written by Anita Loos. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Clark Gable as Blackie Norton.
Ending Explained: San Francisco
San Francisco Ending Explained: A beautiful singer and a battling priest try to reform a Barbary Coast saloon owner in the days before the great earthquake and subsequent fires in 1906. Directed by W.S. Van Dyke, this 1936 drama film stars Clark Gable (Blackie Norton), alongside Jeanette MacDonald as Mary Blake, Spencer Tracy as Father Tim Mullin, Jack Holt as Jack Burley. With a 6.6/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.
What Happens at the End of San Francisco?
A beautiful singer and a battling priest try to reform a Barbary Coast saloon owner in the days before the great earthquake and subsequent fires in 1906.
How Does Clark Gable (Blackie Norton)'s Story End?
- Clark Gable: Clark Gable's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- Jeanette MacDonald (Mary Blake): Jeanette MacDonald's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Spencer Tracy (Father Tim Mullin): Spencer Tracy's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of San Francisco Mean?
San Francisco's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Clark Gable may feel rushed. W.S. Van Dyke's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.
San Francisco Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is San Francisco Based on a True Story?
No, San Francisco is a work of fiction. While the drama, romance, music film directed by W.S. Van Dyke and starring Clark Gable may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch San Francisco?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Clark Gable or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: San Francisco
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $1.3M |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
San Francisco Budget
The estimated production budget for San Francisco is $1.3M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch San Francisco Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeSan Francisco Parents Guide & Age Rating
1936 AdvisoryWondering about San Francisco age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of San Francisco (1936) is 115 minutes (1h 55m). Directed by W.S. Van Dyke, the film runs for 115 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.6/10, and global performance metrics, San Francisco is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1936 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Francisco worth watching?
San Francisco is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.6/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find San Francisco parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for San Francisco identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of San Francisco (1936)?
The runtime of San Francisco (1936) is 115 minutes (approximately 1h 55m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
