The Falcon in San Francisco (1945)

Just what I expected

Good films always raise compelling questions, whether the format is fiction or documentary fact.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

This is a really good 1940's mystery, of that type which mixes some humor and warmth with the tough stuff. The plot is a little complicated, but it does make sense and, after all, this is a MYSTERY. Viewers will often complain if they can "figure it out" in the first ten minutes; when they can't, they complain it's too hard to follow. This is definitely one where you have to show some patience and wait for the clues to unfold. One of the points I liked about this movie is, you find yourself questioning: who is so-and-so? Are they who they claim to be? Here, I found myself suspecting different people. That is the mark of a very good mystery! The San Francisco settings are very nice. It's always a treat when a studio picture of the 1930's or 1940's gets out of the sound stage and takes you someplace interesting, like San Francisco. Tom Conway is excellent as the Falcon. He has an easy, understated charm. He comes across as a guy you would like to have for a pal. The supporting cast is solid. And, the ending is terrific! Worthy of film noir, which this picture is not, having a frequently light, wry tone. But gosh--that ending!

The Falcon films, both with George Sanders and Tom Conway in the lead role, are on the most part very enjoyable. There are some very good ones like the first two Sanders Falcon films and 'The Falcon Strikes Back', though also a few disappointments like 'The Falcon in Danger' and 'The Falcon in Mexico'.On the most part, 'The Falcon in San Francisco' is for me one of Conway's better later and overall Falcon films. It is one of the series' most stylish and funniest, and also the series at its earthiest and most violent. Most of the film works very well indeed, but the story does get a little convoluted later and ends abruptly. A few of Edward Brophy's comic shenanigans are a touch overdone too.However, a lot also does work. The music is lively and haunting enough, and on the most part the production values are slick and atmospheric with particularly nicely done photography. A new director is on board here, courtesy of Joseph H Lewis in his sole Falcon outing, and it is a very stylish and energetic directing job. Further advantages are a very playful script with dialogue that crackles with wit and some of the series' funniest and a mostly absorbing story that is never less than bright, breezy and fun with some suspense and great twists and turns.Conway is dapper, suave, charismatic and amusingly cutting here, he always thrived in the title role and 'The Falcon in San Francisco' is evidence of that. Rita Corday brings plenty of allure, Edward Brophy is on the most part very funny and his comic relief is more than welcome and Sharyn Moffett is charming and vulnerable without ever falling into any of the obvious traps that child performers can do.All in all, solid fun and one of the better later films of the series and one of Conway's best. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Nothing special here but should please fans of the series. The plot starts off well enough—a little girl's nurse dies unexpectedly on board a train with the Falcon and Goldie. Naturally they take charge of her well-being, but soon become entangled in a dark web of intrigue presided over by a commanding spider woman, Doreen. After that the plot becomes pretty convoluted, such that the elements of a mystery are undercut by the many complications. Still the colorful players manage to hold audience interest.I particularly like little Sharon Moffett (Annie) who manages to be both cute and vulnerable without being cloying, a really difficult trick for Hollywood moppets. Brophy also manages some well-calibrated comedy relief without resorting to tiresome clowning around. And, of course, there's always the smooth and dapper Conway as the gentleman detective. Except for a few landmark shots of San Francisco, there's not much else distinctive in this eleventh entry in the highly successful series.

Well, well, the two handsome young tough/bad guys are shinning and have stolen part of the show! Their looks are more impressive than the Falcon. Too cute to be a tough guys. Pity that haven't seen them around in other films. That is exactly the problem in the show business and the entertaining world. Good quality guys and pretty girls with acting talent are packed up. Those ordinary look like the female tomb raider are praised as the most sexy and beautiful woman in the world. What a trash remark. If you want to see really handsome actor and beautiful actress, try this one and you will find out what is true beauty and good acting.Overall it is a nice and entertaining film. Catch it if it passes by your TV channels.