San Francisco in Cinema: Portrait in Black

1201 Divisadero is given as Anthony Quinn's address. It's a corner market in this 2004 photo.

Like Sudden Fear, Portrait in Black gives us a legendary Hollywood leading lady as a femme fatale/damsel in distress with a Pacific Heights mansion and marital woes. This time it's Lana Turner, whose husband is a paralyzed shipping tycoon done in by his doctor, Lana's lover, played Anthony Quinn. Luxury sets and costumes dominate this 1960 mystery/drama directed by Michael Gordon. Anna May Wong, the Asian star whose career is lined with stereotypes, fares no better here. Her brooding housekeeper, Tawny, is subject to racist comments from chauffeur Ray Walston and is shown in one scene glowering as she strokes a cat. Richard Basehart of The House on Telegraph Hill returns to San Francisco here as businessman Howard Mason. Also stars Sandra Dee and John Saxon. A gravity-defying finale and lush color make this entry a fine double feature with Daddy's Gone A-Hunting.

Detail I
Detail II
Detail III
Detail IV: 2880 Broadway
Detail V: 1201 Divisadero Street
Detail VI: I Magnin
Detail VII: Bullock & Jones
Detail VIII: Arboretum
Detail IX: Sudden Fear
Detail X: House on Telegraph Hill
Detail XI: Daddy's Gone A-Hunting

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Copyright 2004 Hank Donat
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