Watch Hello, Frisco, Hello

Hello, Frisco, Hello is a 1943 musical film that takes place in San Francisco during the 1906 earthquake. The film stars Alice Faye, John Payne, and Jack Oakie, and features a score by composer Harry Warren and lyricist Mack Gordon. The plot follows Faye's character, Trudy Evans, a talented singer who is discovered by a wealthy businessman named Martin J. Prescott (played by Payne). Prescott is taken by Trudy's voice and decides to become her patron, arranging for her to perform at various venues throughout San Francisco. Along the way, Trudy falls in love with Prescott, but their relationship is complicated by her loyalty to her hometown sweetheart, Pinky (played by Oakie).

The film features several memorable musical numbers, including the title song "Hello, Frisco, Hello," which became a hit for Faye. The song is performed during a scene in which Trudy is singing in a cable car during the earthquake, and the shaking of the car creates a unique vibrato effect in her voice. Other notable songs in the film include "You'll Never Know" and "The Last Rose of Summer."

In addition to its musical numbers, the film is notable for its depiction of San Francisco in the early part of the 20th century. Many of the city's iconic landmarks are featured in the film, including the Ferry Building, the Palace of Fine Arts, and the Golden Gate Park Conservatory.

The film also deals with themes of class and social status, as Trudy struggles to reconcile her love for Prescott with the fact that they come from different worlds. In one scene, she performs at a high society party and is forced to wear a dress that Prescott has bought for her, which makes her feel out of place and uncomfortable. This tension between Trudy and Prescott's social circles creates a source of conflict throughout the film, as they try to navigate their feelings for each other amidst societal pressure.

Overall, Hello, Frisco, Hello is a charming musical film that captures the spirit of San Francisco in the early 1900s. Faye's performance is particularly strong, and the film's score is filled with memorable songs that have endured in popularity over the years. Though it was made over 75 years ago, the film remains a beloved classic for fans of the musical genre.

Hello, Frisco, Hello is a 1943 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.