# Old San Francisco

* related portals: Drama film, Films with historical settings, Sound film.
* sister projects: Wikipedia article, Commons category, Wikidata item.
Cast and Crew :
| Cast ||
| Role | Actor |
| | Dolores Costello |
| | Warner Oland |
| | Charles Emmett Mack |
| | Anna May Wong |
| Crew ||
| Production company | Warner Bros. |
| Director | Alan Crosland (d. 1936) |
| Screenwriter | Anthony Coldeway (d. 1963) |
| Cinematographer | Hal Mohr (d. 1974) |
| Editor | Harold McCord |
| Composer | Hugo Riesenfeld (d. 1939) |
| Based on available information, the latest crew member that is relevant to international copyright laws died in 1974, meaning that this film may be in the public domain in countries and jurisdictions with 49 years p.m.a. or less, as well as in the United States. ||
a WARNER BROTHERS
W-B
PRODUCTION
WARNER BROS. PICTURES, INC.
and
THE VITAPHONE CORPORATION
present
DOLORES COSTELLO
in
"OLD SAN FRANCISCO"
by
DARRYL FRANCIS ZANUCK
PASSED BY THE NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW·COPYRIGHT MXMXXVI by WARNER BROS. PICTURES INC.
Directed by
Alan Crosland
Screen Play by ANTHONY COLDEWEY
Music Score compiled by
HUGO RIESENFELD
Synchronized by
The Vitaphone Symphony Orchestra Josiah Zuro~conducting
PLAYERS IN PROLOGUE
Under the proud banner of Spain, Governor Portola, heading a small band of Franciscan Padres and soldiers of Philip, came, in 1769, upon a landlocked harbor that was destined to become the site of the metropolis of the Pacific.
"I, Enrique de Solano Y Vasquez, do hereby claim these lands and waters in behalf of my Sovereign Lord, King Philip of Spain—to the glory of God and the crown of Castile."
Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam
Vasquez ulciscitur Vasquez
Thus did the Spaniards and the House of Vasquez come to the shores of the Golden Gate, founding a settlement which, in 1848, became San Francisco.
The Vasquez estate prospered under grant of the King——and Vasquez ships sailed the 'Seven Seas'.
Grandsons of Enrique de Solano Y Vasquez sustained the glory and cherished the honor of his name.
"Gold! The American river is running with Gold——the hills are ribbed with it—GOLD at Sutter's Mill—!"
"This is grave news, my brother—Gold lust and deserted ranches——disaster!"
The elder Vasquez was right. By 1849, San Francisco had become the mecca of a gold-mad world.
"....and today fifteen more of our peons have left for the gold fields."
"In the stable yard, Senor....Captain Stoner and his sailor men steal the horses!"
"They have killed two of our men!"
"Remain with your mother—I am head of the house."
"Captain Stoner! You command my ships, not my horses. Back to your vessel!"
"Damn your ships! We're on our way to the gold fields!"
"I order you to return to your duties at once!"
"Your orders—and your Spanish glory—don't mean a thing now. Stand clear!"
"My brother—you now are—head of the house—"
"You have dared to shoot a Vasquez!"
"A Vasquez avenges a Vasquez!"
"You have done well, my son—for the greater glory of God."
The Story
San Francisco grew and prospered. By 1906 it had become the Capital of the West——joyous, cosmopolitan———the Bohemia of America——the Paris of the Pacific.
The 'cocktail route' led to Barbary Coast——that mile of hell which ran from Chinatown to the waterfront.
But even as the city flourished and fulfilled its brilliant destiny, the glory of the ancient Spanish Californians grew dim. At the old Vasquez Rancho......
The old age of Hernandez Vasquez was saddened by the thought that only in the integrity of the Vasquez estate could that proud name survive.
- - - Josef Swickard.
Dolores, the granddaughter——a true Vasquez.
- - - Dolores Costello.
"Why granddaddy, you've been dreaming."
"Never fear, you will live to see the glories of the past restored."
"The city surges up toward us. It will bury us and our traditions beneath an alien civilization."
To Michael Brandon there were two sides to the law. He was always on the side of those who had the money.
- - - Anders Randolph.
"All you have to do young man, is take care of this brief case."
Terrence O'Shaughnessy, recently taken into partnership with his uncle——but not yet into his confidence.
- - - Chas. E. Mack.
"Well, let's get down to business. I'm here to buy your ranch."
"Business is never so important to us as hospitality to our guests."
"To the Colleen—and an early marriage."
"I—I said 'Your brief case is in the carriage'."
"'Tis you that are the sweetest rose in this fair garden."
"Please, Senorita—I am not bold—I'm Irish."
"'Tis business they're talking. I have no heart for it meself."
"Sinful ye are—hiding your beauty from a starvin' world!"
"We Vasquez are Spanish—our women remain at home."
"Was it a Spaniard, then, who wrote 'Home Sweet Home'?"
"By Irish luck I got it—by Irish pluck I'll keep it."
"No, Senor. We give a red rose only to the one we love."
"Now the rose is priceless!"
"The Rancho is not for sale."
"I know you're broke, Vasquez. You can't bluff me."
"Senor, the interview is ended."
"You'll sell your ranch—or we'll take it away from you!"
"The man I represent can make or break a dozen Vasquez before breakfast!"
"He who seeks to intimidate a Vasquez is a fool. I will not sell to you at any price."
"Faith, I don't want me hat. I'm in the presence of a lady."
"What swine—they have defiled the Hacienda!"
"But he——I mean the young Senor—I thought him nice."
The Chinese question had long vexed San Francisco. To keep the Mongol within the limits of Chinatown——what graft and cruelty were invoked!
Cruel, mysterious, crafty——Chris Buckwell had grafted his way from an unknown origin to power. Czar of the Tenderloin——chief persecuter of the Chinese.
- - - Warner Oland.
"Blame yourself for buying property outside Chinatown! Accept my figure for it—or I'll take it away from you."
"Do you want me to close your district—tighter than a Chinese drum!"
"I bow to the wisdom of Confucius: 'When thy adversary is in power, yield to him'."
"You're a wise Chinaman. Bring the deeds and meet me at the Poodle Dog tonight."
"Vasquez—the old fool—refused to sell at any price."
"The arrogant ass! I'll have his ranch condemned, and buy it at my own price."
"That's villainous! The Vasquez have owned that rancho for generations."
"Vasquez has a granddaughter—that's what's the matter with Terry."
"So—the senorita's lips are red like the rose—her eyes brim with love, eh?"
"That remark is insolent!"
"The boy needs watching, Michael."
"Start proceedings at once to condemn the old fool's property."
Dwarfed by nature—caged by man——Chang Loo's soul nevertheless dwelt with his Gods.
- - - Angelo Rossita.
"Oh, god of my ancestors—accept the sacrifices I offer for the sins I have committed against my own people."
"What fresh deed of evil is on your vile soul? Not all the incense of the Indies will blot your sins from the eye of Heaven."
"Kill me! Kill me! One crime more will not harm thee—and will give me peace."
"Confucius hath said 'Falling hurts least those who fly low'—"
"Thy fall will be mighty—for thou hast soared high!"
A flower of the Orient, stifled and poisoned in Chinatown's sunless cellars.
- - - Anna May Wong.
"I came to warn you——Chinatown is in a furore over your latest edict."
"I must see your grandfather——'tis about the Rancho—"
"But I'm afraid he would not believe you—"
"But you—sure, you'll believe me—?"
"Senor, may I inquire what brings you here?"
"They're plotting to take your ranch away from you!"
"When I require your aid—I shall send for you."
"Please, grandfather—hear what he has to say."
"'Tis the devil's own scheme, sir, to condemn your ranch unless you sell. And they'll do it, too—for they are ruthless and powerful!"
"I'm sorry I was hasty—you are acting in good faith, Senor—but I am not frightened. I stand upon my rights."
"This sword, which took the land, shall not fail to hold it!"
"Senorita, you are more beautiful than moonlight on the water——roses in the sun—"
"The last of a family as honorable as my own. And one to whom I may safely entrust the happiness of Dolores."
"He comes when his wealth and influence are most needful."
"Pardon me—I think I understand."
"To the Poodle Dog!"
"It is well you are here, Don Luis. The Rancho is in danger. I shall need all your resources to save it."
"I deeply sympathize, Senor. But—what is to be, will be. What can I do?"
Somewhere on the Mile of Hell.
620
"We'll hit every joint on the Cocktail Route!"
"Let me see the young senor—he will not fail us."
"Do not depend on him. He is one of their breed—and blood will tell."
"The blood of Don Luis told a cowardly tale."
"The carriage, Arturo. Do you know the address of the Poodle Dog?"
POODLE DOG CAFÉ
Carefree San Francisco listened with tolerance to the ravings of Old Testament Charley——threw him silver coins——and promptly forgot him.
"In the midst of thy iniquities, God will punish thee! His wrath will fall from Heaven—"
"—And thou, Master of this Mile of Hell. Thy evil turns vice into filthy gold and crime into vile profit—!"
"And this underworld of which thou art king—it will perish with thee!"
"Father, forgive them—for they know not what they do."
"Can you tell me where I might find Mr. Terrance O'Shaughnessy?"
"There's a party in Room 10—he may be there."
"I am looking for Mr. Terrance O'Shaughnessy."
"Don't apologize. My grandfather was right—blood will tell."
"Now I understand your interest in the Vasquez—Rancho."
"By the way, Mike—drop that Vasquez matter for the present. I'll handle it myself."
After a long night, in which the dreams of Dolores were of a smiling face, and self-reproaching eyes——
"The old wishing-well—Time was when I, too, believed in it."
"I was wishing that a friend would appear and help us. Someone true and fine—"
"I trust you will pardon my intrusion, but this ancient sanctuary——may I use the word?—tempted me."
"I wish I might come here often to pray."
"You would be welcome, sir—but these ancient walls are to disappear, and this sanctuary torn down—my rancho has been condemned."
"You do not mean that they would destroy this monument to the valor that made our city possible?"
"Even our Spanish land grant does not deter them."
"I am not without some influence—perhaps I can help you."
"Take your land grants to 112 Sierra Street tonight. I'll have an expert there to examine them."
"Granddaddy, it looks as if our wish will come true."
"And now, my heart—a wish that I might see the young Senor—and forgive him."
"I—I came to apologize for my—my condition last night. 'Twas the green devil of jealousy. I tried to paint it red."
"But 'tis your fault too—for when I learned you were engaged—I didn't care what happened."
"You are engaged—aren't you?"
"You do understand? And I'm all forgiven?"
At 112 Sierra Street.
"Sir—there is some mistake—"
"I have been retained by one who is friendly to you—the most powerful influence in the City."
"I congratulate you on your new-found friend. He is without a rival—a Czar!"
"May I look at your papers?"
"They bear the signature of King Philip of Spain!"
"You know if you take those land grants—they will never be returned!"
"It is my duty, in spite of my uncle's displeasure, to warn you that he is plotting to rob you of your lands."
"Do you, or don't you, want me to examine them?"
"When Buckwell hears of this, I'm done for! You've ruined your career and mine—for the sake of a girl!"
"But it happens that I love that girl!"
"In that case—you're out of luck!"
"Why do you suppose Buckwell arranged to have the girl alone at the Rancho tonight?"
"Don't be alarmed, Senorita."
"I sent your grandfather to the City so that we could be here alone—"
"Will you leave—or shall I call the servant?"
"The Senorita does well! But I happen to know that your only servant is with your grandfather."
"Surely the Senorita will not blame me for the admiration her beauty has aroused!"
"One may pay too dearly for a victory. By tomorrow evening, I feel certain, you will all regret this apparent triumph!"
"There are some services for which no words can pay, Senor."
Love may move with languid steps, but Hate strikes with a spider's speed.
RANCHO VASQUEZ
"GET OUT!"
"We have orders from the Boss to survey this place."
"Now, you vandals—GET OUT!"
"This sword has never yet failed a Vasquez!"
"If you're trying to trap me——I'll break your cringing back!"
"You——you betrayer of friends—you who would defile innocence——get out of my sight!"
"Omit the heroics and listen to reason. I have authority to send you to court for interfering with official surveyors—"
"You tried to force shame upon an unsullied daughter of my race—but a Vasquez avenges a Vasquez!"
"You came to taunt a noble gentleman—"
"—but he has escaped your evil hands—his soul is with his God—who also is a God of Vengeance!"
"Stop—Stop those accursed Christian bells!"
In the awful light of an outraged, wrathful, Christian God, the heathen soul of the Mongol stood revealed.
When Chris Buckwell sought solace of his ancestral gods, he knew the eyes of Dolores had penetrated his disguise and guessed his secret——
"What cowardly sin now weighs on your craven heart, my brother?"
"Though you pen my body in this cage, my spirit travels far——I always know when my brother has sinned."
Thus Hernandez de Vasquez passed on to his fathers, and his proud name into history——
"In a flash that hideous Buckwell revealed himself—and in his soul he knew that I knew—he is a Mongolian!"
"You have your enemy in your hands——his own people will avenge you!"
"Lu Fong is the one to see—'tis he who could submit Buckwell to the law and punishment of his own people."
Lu Fong's place——center of Chinatown's "Inner Circle."
Chang Sue Lee——made his money in opium, which he imported——and spent it on beauty——which he exported.
"Can you tell me where Lu Fong lives?"
"Hinkley Alley—326—some find it easier to get in there than to get out!"
"Another victim of Buckwell's greed—she will tell you something that will place this persecutor of your people in your hands!"
"By the memory of my grandfather whom he killed, I swear it is true——He is of your race—a Chinaman!"
"He knows that I know his secret—go to his place, and you will find proofs."
"If he is guilty of this offence against his ancestors——nothing can save him from our vengeance!"
"I will meet you at his house——you have the white bosses there, too."
"Your yellow countrymen have arrived—you know what to do—and when!"
"Your great Christian God cannot save you from the fury of the enemy you have made!"
"She lies—Chris Buckwell is my brother—a Mongol like me—and the day of his power is passing!"
"I shall be pleased to know what you consider proof of the ridiculous charges made against me."
"Proof rests in the word of a lady of ancient and honorable name—Senorita Dolores Vasquez."
"You are jesting! The lady is even now my guest."
"These Chinamen declare that you have said I was of their race—"
"Will you be good enough to disabuse their minds—?"
"If that light goes out—you die!"
"I spoke in a fit of jealousy—mine were the words of an angry woman—"
"But you swore to me he was a Chinaman—"
"I—I never spoke more falsely."
"I lied to you—he forced me to!"
"Had I failed him——your nephew would have perished in the cellar beneath!"
"She is demented, gentlemen—you see, she raves."
"When I accused him first, I did not know—Now I can prove it—if you will follow me!"
"If you're covering something, I want to know it—come on!"
"There is his Chinese shrine and the god he worships!"
"There is his Mongolian brother!"
"I need no more proof—he shall be turned over to the laws and retribution of Chinatown!"
"We'll inform the officials of the Chinese Six Companies."
"Do you know where your brother has gone?"
The labyrinths of that mysterious "Inner Circle"——as remote from Occidental life as the alleys of Tientsin or the gorges of the Yangtsze.
"Tonight Chang Sue Lee is feasting the wealthiest nabobs of Chinatown—"
"Dress her up—she'll be worth a fortune!"
The lowest rendezvous of the "Inner Circle" was but on a level with the life of its inmates.
"Knowing your exquisite taste, most honorable Chang Sue Lee, I have brought for your appraisal the fairest gem of the Occident—"
"Where's Chris and the girl?"
"He go—Chang Sue Lee place."
"Your vault overflows with gold and jewels—but never a gem so rare as this—"
"You are the last of your line. Who will avenge a Vasquez now?"
"Our Father, who art in Heaven—"
Crowd Earthquake! Earthquake! Earthquake!
"EARTHQUAKE!!!"
Crowd Look out! Look out!
"And this underworld of which thou art king—it will perish with thee!"
The ashes of disaster have blown away——the sea breeze sweeps through cleansed streets of the Oriental quarter——the City that was has become the San Francisco that is——serene, sunlit and beautiful on its thrice seven hills——
The End
W-B
A WARNER BROTHERS PRODUCTION
This work is in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.
Copyright law abroad tends to consider the following people authors of a film:
* The principal director
* The screenwriter, and/or other writers of dialogue
* The composer/lyricist (if the film is accompanied by sound)
* The cinematographer
* By extension, the authors of any works that may serve as the basis for a film's plot
The longest-living of these authors died in 1979, so this work is in the public domain in countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 44 years or less. This work may be in the public domain in countries and areas with longer native copyright terms that apply the rule of the shorter term to foreign works.
Public domainPublic domainfalsefalse