Jeanette MacDonald occasionally struck me as a combination of Bette Davis and Binnie Barnes! That feeling returns in this entertaining, though somewhat lengthy, romantic story unfolding right before the San Francisco earthquake. "Mary Blake" comes to the city searching for employment and finds herself drawn to the proprietor of the "Paradise Café." He's the charming and astute "Blackie Norton," portrayed by Clark Gable, who quickly develops an interest in her. Likewise, his wealthier and more refined rival, "Burley" (Jack Holt), seems like a potentially better match given this young woman’s aspirations toward opera. What follows is a series of interactions between MacDonald and Gable, set against a backdrop of dishonesty, jealousy, and some straightforward bullying. His childhood friend, "Tim" (Spencer Tracy), now the local priest—surprisingly skilled at boxing and inclined to see the best in everyone—attempts to keep things on track. “Mary” faces difficult decisions, and those around her seem eager to make them for her if she doesn’t decide herself – so which direction will she choose? There's no question about MacDonald’s vocal talent; her performances here are compelling and occasionally playful, as demonstrated by her semi-operatic songs that highlight her character's struggle to belong in a society demanding music hall tunes rather than selections from "Faust." Gable contributes his characteristic easygoing appeal, and Jessie Ralph provides some pleasant moments as the rags-to-riches “Maisie,” serving as a reminder that practically everyone in that city began with nothing—even those residing on its prestigious Nob Hill. The photography and visual effects toward the conclusion are genuinely noteworthy, and the sound of both the music and the destructive elements work effectively when viewed on a large screen. While the storyline isn't particularly remarkable, the cast collaborates well to offer an enjoyable look back at these stars and the diverse array of Vaudeville performers that previous generations enjoyed onstage.

Source on TMDB