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San Francisco: Metropolis of the West (1941)

1941 · Short film · 10 min

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Synopsis

Released in 1941, this black and white theatrical short subject from Columbia Pictures offers a travelogue view of San Francisco, featuring a brisk montage of urban exteriors. Popular tourist attractions including Chinatown, the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, and The Japanese Tea Garden are depicted, along with long-gone entertainment districts and restaurants. Pan Am’s Boeing 314 “California Clipper” flying boat also makes an appearance. The film was produced by legendary non-fiction filmmaker Andre De LaVarre (TRT: 10:39). Columbia Pictures logo and opening titles. “A Columbia Tour, San Francisco: Metropolis of the West” (0:07). A panorama of San Francisco from a scenic overlook, from the ocean to the bay, with architecture dotting the foreground (0:27). Urban architecture and city skyscrapers, including the Shell Building (0:54). An elevated view of Market Street. From the ground, pedestrians are seen reflected in storefront windows. Crowded streetcars pass up and down the street. A cable car is rotated by hand on a circular table (1:22). Steel hills and staircases of the city. Feet walk down a staircase. Cars park on challenging inclines (2:27). Chinatown. Signage: “Chong Chinese Bazar.” Lanterns, pagodas, the Old Chinese Telephone Exchange building. Chinese-American children (2:55). Window Shopping. Chinatown at night, illuminated by neon signs: “Chop Suey, Chinese Food” (3:30). Golden Gate Bridge seen from a variety of angles. A steam ship passes below the…

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Details

Running time
10 minutes
Collection
Ephemeral Films

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