The Movie
The Midnight Story was directed by Joseph Pevney who started off as an actor (one of his roles was a truck driver in the San Francisco noir Thieves’ Highway) but switched to directing in 1950, becoming far better known in a career that spanned both film and television. By the time he directed The Midnight Story he had already presided over 20 movies. Adapted from an unproduced script “The Eyes Of Father Tomasino”, the movie was filmed in a wide 2.35:1 format in July /August 1956, premiering in New York City on July 4, 1957.
The Story
Joe Martini (Tony Curtis), an orphaned San Francisco traffic cop, is devastated by the brutal murder of his guide and mentor, catholic priest Father Tomasino. When he sees Silvio Malatesta (Gilbert Roland) in an overtly agitated state at the funeral he is suspicious and asks his boss if he can investigate the murder. Turned down, he hands in his badge and goes it alone, befriending Malatesta to find out more. Welcomed into Malatesta’s home, Joe finds him to be a gregarious, kind and generous person and along the way falls for his attractive young cousin Anna (Marisa Pavan). Torn between his love for Anna and continued suspicion for Silvio his conflicted search for the truth is finally realized in a jarring, almost operatic finale …
The Locations
Opening Credits All-Hallows Chapel, 1440 Newhall Street, Bayview —- Newhall Street viewed from Palou Avenue, Bayview —- Harrison Street viewed across Fremont, Rincon Hill —- Merchant Street between Montgomery and Kearny, Portsmouth Square
Orphanage Mount St. Joseph’s School, 1700 Newhall Street, Bayview
At The Funeral All Hallows Church, 1440 Newhall Street, Bayview
Prime Suspect Andy’s Look Out Restaurant (now Scoma’s), north end of the 2900 block of Jones Street (Al Scoma Way), Fisherman’s Wharf
Colpo Di Fulmine 1227 Montgomery Street, Telegraph Hill —- View east from the Mark Hopkins Hotel, Nob Hill
Alibi Montgomery Street Steps, Telegraph Hill ___ Andy’s Look Out Restaurant (now Scoma’s), north end of the 2900 block of Jones Street (Al Scoma Way), Fisherman’s Wharf ___ Taylor Street at Pier 45, Fisherman’s Wharf
Blown Alibi Montgomery Street Steps, Telegraph Hill —- Washington Square Park, North Beach
Cold Shoulder Upper level of Calhoun Terrace, Telegraph Hill
In Search Of Answers The playground at Mount St. Joseph’s School, 1700 Newhall Street, Bayview
Surprise Confession Andy’s Look Out Restaurant (now Scoma’s), north end of the 2900 block of Jones Street (Al Scoma Way), Fisherman’s Wharf
Final Confession, Final Rites (Window view) - View from the rooftop of 1134 or 1142 Jackson Street, Nob Hill