Making a film out of the popular book was possibly inspired by M.G.M.'s huge success two years earlier with "SAN FRANCISCO", as this tale shares a lot in common with its predecessor. Starring Bette Davis & Errol Flynn, both at the height of their popularity at Warner Bros.
The story focuses on the 3 very different Elliott sisters at the turn of the last century. Obviously the sister played by Davis gets the most attention. She follows her heart and marries Flynn, who seems to be forever wandering. He basically abandons Bette in San Francisco the night before the infamous 1906 quake. The quake happens in the last 3rd of the film, and is quite effective. Obviously not meant to be the highlight of the film, since none of the poster art ever mentioned the quake. The effects are very good and the scene is basically a montage of real footage, contempoary back lot shots and footage taken from Warner Bros 1927 film "Old San Francisco." Released October of 1938. |
