Presentation: Starring the Bay Bridge

A discussion of films featuring the Bay Bridge with Jim Van Buskirk
Thursday, 6/5/2025
6:00 - 7:30
Koret Auditorium
Main Library

100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
United States

415-557-4400

The San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge is six months older, four times as long, and twice as busy as the Golden Gate Bridge. Why then has it seemingly been featured in far fewer films? Watch the Bay Bridge reclaim its starring role in scenes from over three dozen feature films -- some familiar, many much more obscure  -- including "Shadow of the Thin Man "(1941), "Experiment in Terror" (1961), "George of the Jungle" (1997) -- and, of course, everyone's favorite directional mistake, "The Graduate" (1967).

Jim Van Buskirk, a retired SFPL librarian, major movie buff, and public speaker, is the co-author of Celluloid San Francisco: The Film Lover’s Guide to Bay Area Movie Locations as well as other books, articles, blogs and radio broadcasts on San Francisco and film history. Find out more about Jim on his web site.

 

Film & Video

Watch party and film discussions. 

History

Learn more about local history.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.