Hello Frisco, Hello

the post saying the score is anachronistic is quite wrong. This is not San Francisco in the middle 19th century. It is San Francisco in 1915. Note that there are telephones, and they speak of the FAIR. The world's fair was held in 1915 in San Francisco In one scene a depiction of the famous FLATIRON building in New York is visible, this building completed in 1902. Early in the film a transcontinental telephone call was placed from New York to San Francisco. This event took place circa 1915 and was a famous part of the World's Fair. I think this film is a beautiful example of technicolor's magic and few can compare. The only person who won't like this film is someone who doesn't like to entertained.

1st watched 11/24/2001 - 7 out of 10(Dir-H. Bruce Humberstone): Toe-tapping, hit playing musical that doesn't have a plot line much different than many of this dancing/singing genre but it is played out so well by the stars involved that it keeps you interested. The songs have romance, humor, and hit quality chorus's that made me want to have the music itself(if it's available). This is supposed to have been the most popular war-time film and I can understand why although because a lot of people weren't going to the movies back then it's been relatively forgotten. I'm glad I was able to see this and it made me hunger for more of this type. Watch it if you can find it, it won't disappoint you.

A showcase for the vocal skills of Alice Faye singing "Ragtime Cowboy Joe," "Has Anybody Here Seen Kelly?" "By the Light of the Silvery Moon," "Why Do They Always Pick on Me?" and the title tune, this escapist romp into the music halls of San Francisco during the 1915 Panama Pacific Exhibition-at the height of World War II. But it's "You'll Never Know," one of the loveliest tunes of the 20th century, that really raises this film to the top. The colorful costumes and sets are a treat, and there's music going almost every moment of the film. Corny as some of the numbers are-"Tulip Time in Holland" comes to mind-they are never dull. How can you be bored by a couple dozen Dutch boys and girls on wooden roller skates?

My favorite Alice Faye movie, by far the best! Story was great, acting superb, and the music, well it's the music and the song "You'll Never Know" which rings in my heart forever! The comedy of Jack Oakie and June Havoc is hilariously funny, and I'll always remember Laird Cregar for his shining shanigans "buddy can you spare a dime". The pairing of Alice with John Payne was always good!

One of the best musicals ever to come out of Fox and one of the top Alice Faye showcases. Never mind the plot, just set back and enjoy the sultry velvety voice of the most beautiful Alice Faye, the finest song stylist ever to come out of Hollywood . This beautiful film introduced the Academy Award winning song-"You'll Never Know" which Faye sings three times in the picture. This haunting song was reprised the following year by her in the wartime musical "Four Jills in a Jeep". It has been recorded countless times, however no one sings it like Faye. She pulls the heart strings in a professional fashion. If you are not familiar with Alice Faye, do yourself a favor and discover why she was the Number #1 Box-Office star over Bette Davis in the early 1940's. I highly recommend this lavish musical entertainment.

Strong evidence of why Alice Faye was such a big star in the 40s. Good support from John Payne, Jack Oakie, and femme fatale Lynn Bari. Some critics, including Maltin, are down on this one, but they're wrong. It's a joy from end to end, and as easy on the eyes (in color) as Faye's voice is on the ears (especially in Academy Award winner "You'll Never Know"). Wish they gave Payne more songs to sing, but you can't have everything. Offhand, I don't know of a Fox musical of that era that's as enjoyable.

I don't know what is wrong with Leonard Maltin, giving this 2 stars and calling it a big comedown for the stars. This is one of my favorite musicals starring Alice Faye and she has never been so beautifully filmed in technicolor. Her costumes, hair styles and hats, are gorgeous as is the way she is made up. Jack Oakie and June Havoc are joyous in their comic musical numbers. John Payne plays his ambitious, clueless, social climbing saloon keeper well enough. The opening number "Hello, Frisco, Hello" going right on into "You'll Never Know" is beautifully staged. Forever after this song was introduced in this film, it was Alice Fayes signature song and thousands of WWII couples danced and dreamed to it. Lynn Bari is also gorgeous as the rich femme fatale from Nob Hill that comes between Payne and Faye. But the story is secondary to the songs and stars. A real pleasure that I keep in my permanent collections of films of the Golden Era. 8/10