Flame of Barbary Coast Poster

Flame of Barbary Coast 1945

★ 5.320 votes91 min📅 1945-05-28

"The brawling, colorful story of the queen of hearts and the ace of gamblers... with a shock climax such as the screen has never known!"

Set against the glittering backdrop of San Francisco's Barbary Coast at the dawn of the 20th century, *Flame of Barbary Coast (1945)* weaves a rousing tale of love, luck, and redemption.

Director: Joseph Kane

Cast

John Wayne
John Wayne
Duke Fergus
Ann Dvorak
Ann Dvorak
Ann 'Flaxen' Tarry
Joseph Schildkraut
Joseph Schildkraut
Boss Tito Morell
William Frawley
William Frawley
Wolf Wylie
Virginia Grey
Virginia Grey
Rita Dane
Russell Hicks
Russell Hicks
Cyrus Danver, Owner San Francisco Star
Jack Norton
Jack Norton
Byline Conners, Reporter San Francisco Star
Paul Fix
Paul Fix
Calico Jim
Manart Kippen
Dr. Gorman
Eve Lynne
Martha, Morell's Secretary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Flame of Barbary Coast (1945) about?

In this turn-of-the-century San Francisco drama, an adventurous gambler named Duke Fergus risks everything for love and fortune in the rowdy Barbary Coast. After losing his money to a ruthless card sharp, he returns stronger, determined to win big—only to face an even greater challenge when disaster strikes his newfound paradise.

Who directed Flame of Barbary Coast?

The film was directed by Joseph Kane, a seasoned filmmaker known for his work on Westerns and action-packed dramas during Hollywood's golden age.

Who stars in Flame of Barbary Coast?

The film features John Wayne as Duke Fergus, Ann Dvorak as his love interest Ann 'Flaxen' Tarry, and Joseph Schildkraut as the cunning Boss Tito Morell, with supporting turns from William Frawley and Virginia Grey.

Is Flame of Barbary Coast (1945) worth watching?

With its blend of romance, Western grit, and a dramatic historical backdrop, *Flame of Barbary Coast* offers solid entertainment for fans of classic cinema. While it may not redefine the genre, its lively pacing and strong performances make it a worthwhile watch for John Wayne enthusiasts and period drama lovers.

How long is Flame of Barbary Coast?

The film runs for 91 minutes, offering a concise yet immersive dive into its turbulent story.

🎥 Trailer

About Flame of Barbary Coast (1945) — John Wayne's Gambling Romance in Early San Francisco

Set against the glittering backdrop of San Francisco's Barbary Coast at the dawn of the 20th century, *Flame of Barbary Coast (1945)* weaves a rousing tale of love, luck, and redemption. Directed by Joseph Kane, this lively Western romance follows Duke Fergus, a rugged outsider who stumbles into the high-stakes world of gambling—and the heart of Ann 'Flaxen' Tarry, a fiery entertainer with a past as colorful as the saloons she performs in. When Duke's naivety is exploited by the cunning Boss Tito Morell, he turns adversity into ambition, mastering the art of the card table to reclaim his fortune. But the 1906 earthquake delivers a devastating blow, testing the resilience of their newfound happiness. Kane's direction infuses the film with a vibrant, nostalgic energy, capturing the grit and glamour of a bygone era where fortunes—and hearts—were won and lost in a single night.

With its blend of swashbuckling action, star-crossed romance, and the ever-present tension of chance, *Flame of Barbary Coast* is a time capsule of early Western cinema, showcasing John Wayne's charismatic charm opposite Ann Dvorak's spirited performance. The film thrums with the raw excitement of a frontier town, where every deal could be a winner—or a trap.