Fisherman's Wharf (film)

An August 1938 news item let the public know that Breen was attached to the picture, which went on to state that production would begin on September 15 of that year.^[3] In October it was reported that Bernard Vorhaus would helm the film.^[4] And by late that month, Leo Carillo's participation had been announced.^[5] Armetta was added to the cast in early November,^[6] while other cast members announced in November included Slicker the seal and Lee Patrick.^[7][8] The Reverend Neal Dodd, who performed hundreds of screen wedding ceremonies, would conduct his three hundredth in this film, overseeing the screen nuptials between Beppo and Angelina.^[9] In December it was announced that the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers, also known as Dorr's St. Luke's Choristers, would be appearing in the film.^[10] Fisherman's Wharf premiered in San Francisco on January 25, 1939. In attendance were the three stars, Bobby Breen, Leo Carillo, and Henry Armetta, along with Sol Lesser.^[1] The film opened nationwide on February 3, 1939.^[2] The National Legion of Decency rated the film a class A-1, making it suitable for all audiences.^[11]

Harrison's Reports called the picture a "pleasant mixture of comedy and drama, with deep human appeal." They felt it was one of Breen's best performances to date, and lauded both Carillo and Armetto for excellent performances. They also enjoyed Galli's musical performance in the film, as well as the contributions of the trained seal, Slicker.^[12] The Film Daily described it as a fine sentimental comedy, which had all "the ingredients of a sentimental tear jerker, but..." the producer decided to emphasize the comedic aspect instead, which they felt was a good move. They complimented both the cast and the direction.^[13] Motion Picture Daily, in their review of the film, lauded the acting skills of Carillo, Armetta, and Breen, and called the song, "Songs of Italy", with words and music by Frank Churchill and Paul F. Webster, "outstanding." Overall, they felt the film was a "charming picture of a father and son's mutual devotion."^[14]