This film is a travelogue in the series “America!” produced and hosted by Jack Douglas. The show was produced in the 1960s, and each episode covers a destination in America, presenting all its activities and attractions. This episode takes place in the city of San Francisco, known as “Baghdad by the Bay”.
The film begins with the host, Jack Douglas, introducing the said topic (00:06). The San Francisco Bay Bridge (00:10) and a large warship sailing under it (00:19). Footage from around the city (00:27) and the vibrant nightlife (00:54). Some different institutions that San Francisco is famous for are the bridges, their city hall, the unique old homes, and treasured heirlooms from the Victorian Era (01:22). Other famous attractions of this cosmopolitan city are the Lombard Street (01:51), Mission Dolores, a famous mission built in 1776 (02:20), and Union Square enjoyed by many locals and visitors as a sanctuary in the city (02:51). “City Lights Bookstore” is a symbol of the literary movement in San Francisco (03:40). Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown established outside Asia, where even telephone booths resemble Chinese Pagodas (04:20). The production of Lotus Cakes, also known as fortune cookies (04:28). At night the many bright neon signs of Chinatown lights up the district (05:10). Illustrations of the noncompetitive, self-practiced exercise of Tai Chi Chuan (05:32), and the composer of the slow and graceful tradition, Zhang San Feng (06:01). The Cable Cars operating all over San Francisco is yet another valued institution in the city (06:50), and even flower stands in the street are shaped like cable cars (07:10). At the city waterfront, red and white ferries cruise around the bay functioning as sightseeing boats (07:54). The Golden Gate Bridge that, upon opening in 1937, was the longest single-span bridge in the world (08:24). A view of the Alcatraz Island where the famous federal prison was operational until 1963 (08:45). The Square-Rigged ship “Balclutha” is permanently anchored
at the Fisherman’s Wharf pier (09:17). A master mariner of the ship is weaving rope into a napoleon bend mat and sharing his experiences of working the ship (09:56). At the Maritime Museum visitors will find exhibitions of figures and photographs of ships and sailing fleets, including carved and painted whale teeth and detailed model ships (10:44). The small vessel “Mermaid” was used to sail from Japan to San Francisco in 1962 by a solitary sailor (11:52). Harbor hawking is another popular tourist activity (12:18). At the Fisherman’s Wharf families catch and sell fish and shellfish for visitors to enjoy at small stands and big restaurants (13:13). At Point Lobos waves are crashing at the seal rocks (13:38). This is also the location of “Cliff House” restaurant, which opened in 1863 (13:57). A cable ride crosses over the surf for a scenic view (14:10). The Golden Gate Park offers many attractions, such as the Japanese Tea Garden (14:19). Visitors are served tea and cookies here (14:37) and can feed the many squirrels inhabiting the park (15:08). The Palace of the Legion of Honor is a center for exquisite architecture and art (15:34), amongst here a painting from famous artist Monet (16:41). Sundown over the San Francisco skyline (17:12). Bright signs portray the dynamic nightlife in the city (17:25). “Alexis” is one of many extravagant restaurants (17:45). At the Byzantine era saloon, Mr. Alexis is serving his guests a traditional German
pie, Kohl Backen (18:20). After dinner, the city bids endless entertainment, such as comical theater at “Gay 90” and musical performances at “Red Garter” (19:03). At “Gold Street” bar every night is celebrated as New Year’s Eve at midnight with paper hats and plenty confetti (21:35). “The Gallery” on Columbus Avenue exhibit Bay-area artists illustrating the beauty of San Francisco (22:35). Jack Douglas concludes this film with an outro (23:25).
The author Herb Caen wrote a book, published in 1949, titled “Baghdad by the Bay” about San Francisco, after which this episode was titled.
