Bells of San Fernando is a 1947 American historical romantic adventure film directed by Terry O. Morse and starring Donald Woods, Gloria Warren and Shirley O'Hara.[1] Duncan Renaldo co-wrote the screenplay and was an associate producer of the film.It was released as a second feature.[2]

Bells of San Fernando
Theatrical release poster
Directed byTerry O. Morse
Written byJack DeWitt
Duncan Renaldo
Produced byJames S. Burkett
StarringDonald Woods
Gloria Warren
Shirley O'Hara
Byron Foulger
CinematographyRobert Pittack
Edited byGeorge McGuire
Music byRudy De Saxe
Production
company
Hillcrest Productions
Distributed byScreen Guild Productions
Release date
  • March 1, 1947 (1947-03-01) (United States)
Running time
75 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

Plot summary edit

During the period of New Spain, the dictatorial Juan Mendoza, overseer of the San Fernando Valley seals the area off and forbids anyone to enter or leave. When he seeks to marry Maria Garcia, daughter of the blacksmith, her Irish boyfriend Michael O'Brien challenges Mendoza.

At the same time a small vein of gold in the area is discovered with the gold concealed inside a church bell.

Michael and Maria seek to escape to Monterey to seek the help of the Governor of Alta California.

Cast edit

  • Donald Woods as Michael "Gringo" O'Brien
  • Gloria Warren as Maria Garcia
  • Byron Foulger as Francisco Garcia, Mission Blacksmith
  • Shirley O'Hara as Nita
  • Anthony Warde as Juan Mendoza, Overseer
  • Monte Blue as Governor Don Sebastian Fernando
  • Paul Newlan as Gueyon, Garcia's Assistant
  • David Leonard as Father Xavier
  • Gordon B. Clarke as Henchman Enrico
  • Frank Cody as Henchman Junipero
  • Lusita Triana as Spanish Dancer
  • Felipe Turich as Pablo, the traitor
  • Claire Du Brey as Manta
  • Gil Frye as Governor's Secretary
  • Ray Dolciame as 1st Clerk, Governor's Office
  • John Parker as 2nd Clerk, Governor's Office

Soundtrack edit

  • Gloria Warren – "Land of My Dreams" (written by Marian Boyle and Don Roland)
  • Donald Woods – "Green Grow the Rushes, O" (Irish folk song)

References edit

  1. ^ "BELLS OF SAN FERNANDO". Monthly Film Bulletin. Vol. 17. 1950. p. 175. ProQuest 1305811801.
  2. ^ Scott, J. L. (August 1, 1947). "Period tale polite fare". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 165785150.

External links edit