In 1905, Blackie Norton, owner of the Paradise Saloon on the infamous Barbary Coast and Father Tim Mullin are the best of friends - and when Blackie hires innocent young Mary to sing in the Paradise, Father Tim feels she is destined for better things. He urges Blackie to run for the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, believing he can bring about much needed reform. When Mary is offered to sing opera at the Tivoli, Blackie tricks her into staying with him out of contractual loyalty - and when she discovers the trick, she leaves for the Tivoli, becoming involved with wealthy Jack Burley. But when Blackie comes to hear her sing, she realises she loves him, accepts his offer of marriage and returns to the Paradise. On the opening night of her return performance, Father Tim, angered by the seductive costume Blackie wants her to wear in front of the audience, lashes out and Mary leaves with him, determined to return to Jack Burley. Will the biggest earthquake in the city's history, the city's destruction and incredible loss and heartbreak reconcile the star crossed lovers and mend the friendship of Blackie and Father Tim? Made in 1936, the special effects of the earthquake are still spectacular today. Also stars Jessie Ralph, Jack Holt and Al Shean.