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1227 Montgomery Street |
The Midnight
Story is supposed to be a North Beach tale about an Italian family
- only the Malatestas aren't Italian, they live on Telegraph Hill, and
they go to church in the Bayview. Tony Curtis is traffic cop Joe Martini.
When a beloved neighborhood priest is murdered, Tony moves in with prime
suspect Salvatore Malatesta and the man's brood in order to prove his suspicions
and solve the mystery. Things get complicated when Curtis falls in love
with cousin Anna and is accepted into the family. Not the most compelling
among San Francisco's film noir entries, mostly because the so-called Italian
family is without a scintilla of authenticity. The Midnight Story is, however,
worth a look for some great City locations as well as shots of Curtis in
uniform. The Malatesta house is 1227 Montgomery Street at Union. When Joe
and Salvatore hang out on the wall in front of 1227, the view from the
Montgomery Street overlook is fascinating.
The Russ Building and Shell Building are prominent. Today they are overshadowed
by towers. The 1957 picture was filmed in Cinemascope by director Joseph
Pevney. Included is a fantastic bit part by character actress Kathleen
Freeman.
Fisherman's
Wharf
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Copyright 2003 Hank Donat |