In Old Chicago | Full Movie | Movies Anywhere

Zanuck's disaster film, part of cycle that includes Ford's superior Hurricane, is not as entertaining as MGM's San Francisco, but the set-pieces of crowds, riots, and cattle stampedes during the fire are impressive.

With a star-filled cast and a fitful sense of drama, it's pretty much the same old recipe as the equivalent cycle of megabudget '70s exploiters, but the climactic conflagration is certainly worth the wait.

Mr. King's direction, occasionally, is inspired, and the photography has unusual style and dramatic impact.

Nothing extraordinary in retrospect, but it is genial enough.