Key to the City (1950) ** 1/2 (out of 4) Coming fifteen years after teaming up for THE CALL OF THE WILD, Clark Gable and Loretta Young finally made another film together even though both had remained at MGM over the course of time. Their love child from the making of that 1935 film might have had something to do with this but in this film they play Mayors who meet at a convention in San Francisco. At first, naturally, they can't stand one another but soon they begin to fall in love even though Gable is facing some heat in his political job. When you know the troubled history that Gable and Young went through it's somewhat amazing that MGM would force them into this film but what's even more amazing is that they turn in such fine performances and the charm that's on display here is the same that was seen in that 1935 film (which I highly recommend). That's certainly the sign of great actors but it's a shame that the studio, knowing the trouble, wouldn't deliver a better screenplay. This is certainly another example of great actors having to work their tails off to make material seem a lot better than it actually is. This certainly isn't a bad movie because it does have several good moments but with these two stars you'll be hoping there was more here. What does work is naturally Gable and Young, both extremely charming and making the film fun to watch. The two work perfectly well together as both make you believe their characters and makes you believe everything they do. The supporting cast is also quite good with Raymond Burr as Gable's political rival, Frank Morgan (in his final film; he died before this was released) sweet as the fire chief and Lewis Stone. The screenplay makes a few bad mistakes including the silly political stuff that ends with a pretty over the top sequence inside of Gable's office at the end. This political stuff also keeps Gable and Young away from one another, which is another mistake as it's them carrying the film. Fans of the two stars will certainly want to check this out but others will find much better films from the two.

Clark Gable and Loretta Young look MGM production perfect as they play two Mayors who meet at a convention in San Francisco. Mr. Gable is the rough one, ex-longshoreman Steve Fisk. Ms. Young is the softer focused Clarissa Standish. The well-named twosome clash, of course, during the Mayoral proceedings - but, can romance be far behind? It's an average film for the two stars. Recommended scenes: the "Balloon Dance" woman who loses most of her balloons, and the "Barroom Brawl" which follows. All that gets Young in trouble with her constituents. Notable also as Frank Morgan's final film. Gable tussles Mr. Morgan's hair. ***** Key to the City (1950) George Sidney ~ Clark Gable, Loretta Young, Frank Morgan

Back in the Golden Age of Hollywood Romance was alive in well. But when television came. Romance lost its steam. Now Key to the City is a funny and very rewarding film to watch. Clark Gable has a good leading lady. Loretta Young a very beautiful leading lady. Loretta Young's career in Hollywood has been legendary. So her acting in this film would be very good. Her other co-stars. Lewis Stone and Frank Morgan really make this picture a classic. This would be Frank Morgan's last film.But in this film there were goofs. At the end of the film became very silly at times. But see the film and enjoy the romance and the comedy associated with it.

In my opinion,this is one of the best movie pairings I've seen. Clark Gable and Loretta Young have great chemistry together.In fact,I think Gable may be at his zaniest here,and I like his performance more than any of his other films I've seen. Loretta Young also surprised me here; she shows she is capable of comedy equal to any of Gable's other costars. *Warning readers-spoilers ahead* Her fight scene with Marilyn Maxwell (as Sheila the 'Atom' Dancer)is a hoot! I'd never have believed Loretta Young would do wrestling throws. I also enjoyed Raymond Burr playing the bad guy,and his fight with Gable made me forget this was a comedy/romance for a while. Frank Morgan(the Wizard of Oz) is also wonderful as ding-a-ling Fire Chief Duggan. One last thing,the music ties in with San Francisco very well,no wonder since the composer of the song "San Francisco", Walter Jurmann is listed in the credits for original music! I could go on and on,but I hope I've changed your opinion about seeing this movie.