Dirty Harry - Arrest at Kezar Stadium
This 1971 aerial shows Kezar Stadium in Golden Gate Park (map) as it was when the scenes of Dirty Harry catching up with Scorpio were filmed there. The 60,000 seat stadium opened in 1925 as a venue for a variety of sports but is perhaps best remembered as the home of the San Francisco 49ers from 1946 to 1970 (their last game there was the NFC championship game against the Dallas Cowboys on Jan 3, 1971. They lost, 17-10).
… and Now, in 1989 the stadium was demolished to make way for a downsized 10,000 seat replacement. The adjacent San Francisco Polytechnic High School on Frederick Street (above) has since been replaced (below) by the Park View Commons condominiums but the Art Deco-styled Boys and Girls Gymnasium buildings on either of it are still there.
Callahan arrives at the groundskeeper’s rooms under the grandstand where Scorpio has been staying; he’s not there but the sound of fleeing footsteps heralds the start of a frantic chase through the stadium.
Then … Callahan’s partner switches the stadium lights on to reveal Scorpio on the playing field. He raises his arms surrender style but Callahan being, well, Dirty Harry, aims and fires.
… and Now, this view looks to the south across Frederick Street. In both images the second home from the far left above the stands is the same.
Then … Callahan approaches Scorpio whose leg has sustained major damage from the gunshot. He had aimed to maim, not kill, because Ann Mary Deacon lies buried alive and only Scorpio knows where.
… and Now, here’s the north-facing view from the same spot today. The difference in seating capacity is very evident.
Using an interrogation technique not exactly in accordance with legal guidelines Callahan grinds his foot on the shattered leg and forces Scorpio, between screams, to divulge the victim’s location.
Then … A helicopter mounted camera (this was filmed before drones) pulls away for a wide shot. Callahan and Scorpio are close to the far 40 yard line; Frederick Street runs beyond and parallel to the stands off the picture to the left. (Compare it to the vintage image at the top of the post).
… and Now, the entrance tunnel in the Now image at the end of the track is gone and the arch at dead center is a replica of part of the original stadium.
