Out There has a theory as to why so many of us come to visit or live in San Francisco. It's because the City by the Bay has figured so large as the glamorous locale in movies and TV shows over the years. Thanks to its photogenic qualities, our beloved burg is seared deep into our collective subconscious mind.
"World Film Locations San Francisco," due out in an American edition this month from Intellect Books, tackles this subject head-on. Edited by (UK) Daily Telegraph critic Scott Jordan Harris, it's a collection of 46 pieces on scenes shot in San Francisco, from cinema's earliest days through "Contagion" (2011). There are also seven essays on topics such as the Golden Gate Bridge's long-standing starring role, famous SF car chases ("Bullitt") and "Queer Culture and Midnight Movies" (Peaches Christ plays a prominent role).
We devoured the book in one sitting. Many of these scenes were well known to us: Union Square in "The Conversation," Ernie's in "Vertigo," the Curran Theatre in "All About Eve" - we never go to a show there without thinking about that film. But many were a delightful surprise. For example, we didn't know that Buster Keaton filmed a scene on Broadway, Pacific Heights' "Gold Coast" ("The Navigator," 1924).
For a little fun this week, we've listed 13 SF locations from the book, as well as the films they appear in. See if you can play "matchy-matchy." Answers at the end of the column, but cover them up with a paw lest you be tempted to peek!
1. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
2. Dark Passage (1947)
3. The Lady from Shanghai (1947)
4. Pal Joey (1957)
5. The Graduate (1967)
6. Bullitt (1968)
7. Dirty Harry (1971)
8. Harold and Maude (1971)
9. What's Up Doc? (1972)
10. High Anxiety (1977)
11. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
12. Basic Instinct (1992)
13. Zodiac (2007)
A. San Francisco Zoo
B. San Francisco Chronicle building
C. Steinhart Aquarium
D. San Francisco General Hospital
E. Penthouse, 1090 Chestnut St.
F. Hyatt Regency
G. The Spreckels Mansion
H. The Rawhide II
I. Sutro Baths ruins
J. San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge
K. Dept. of Public Health
L. Hilton San Francisco
M. Dolores Park
Holy Mission
In "Al-Qaeda’s Super Secret Weapon," the hilarious new graphic novel by David J. Zelman (Northwest Press), that weapon is a Jihadi operative whose mission is to infiltrate infidel gay America.
"At the Russian River, I met Steve. Steve Adore. I was on E, and he had done some K. Just enough to be ourselves."
"That terrorist look is hot."
"I’m not a terrorist. I’m Italian, I’m tan - from Puerto Vallarta."
"What’s with the defensiveness? I said it was hot."
Alas, it does not end well for Steve and Mahmoud.
"Dear Steve, There’s something I have to tell you. I’m an undercover Al Qaeda agent. I’m not your swarthy little lamb kebab. I never loved you. I’m on a mission. Salam."
Upon getting the note, Steve thinks: "He must be really hurting. Hmm. A terrorist would be kinda hot role play. And he’s got the look. I’m getting a boner."
Answers: 1: J. 2: E. 3: C. 4: G. 5: A. 6: D. 7: M. 8: I. 9: L. 10: F. 11: K. 12: H. 13: B.