Movie spotlight
Duke Fergus falls for Ann 'Flaxen' Tarry in the Barbary Coast in turn-of-the-century San Francisco. He loses money to crooked gambler Boss Tito Morell, goes home, learns to gamble, and returns. After he makes a fortune, he opens his own place with Flaxen as the entertainer; but the 1906 quake destroys his place.
In the 1870s, a cowboy named Duke is drawn to San Francisco during its lawless Gold Rush era. He becomes involved with a saloon owner and a gambler, navigating the treacherous social landscape of the Barbary Coast. As love and ambition collide, Duke must confront the city's corruption and his own past.
Flame of Barbary Coast received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its dramatic elements and performances, particularly John Wayne's, while others found its plot somewhat predictable and its depiction of the Barbary Coast sensationalized.
Praised for John Wayne's charismatic performance.
Noted for its depiction of a turbulent historical period.
Criticized for a somewhat formulaic narrative.
Google audience: Audience reception is not widely documented, but contemporary reviews suggest a moderate appreciation for its historical setting and star power.
Although John Wayne plays a cowboy, the film is set in San Francisco's Barbary Coast, a period known more for its saloons, gambling dens, and brothels than traditional Western landscapes.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources
Who ever came up with the title is to be commended. It suggests a storyline way, way, more interesting than this film turns out to actually be! "Tito" (Joseph Schildkraut) pretty much runs San Francisco and together with his gal "Flaxen" (A...