The Iconic SF Film 'Bullitt' Turns 50

The box-office hit and iconic ’60s film Bullitt celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Notable for its onsite filming and the best on-screen car chase scene ever, Bullitt is especially relevant to San Francisco. 

Starring Steve McQueen, Robert Vaughn and Jacqueline Bisset, the film is about California state officials and San Francisco police working to take down big-time mobsters. Hitmen, car chases and realistic footage made Bullit a box office smash upon its release; the car chase scene on the steepest hills of San Francisco is thrilling, nerve-wracking, and, well, the definition of cool.

The film won an Academy Award for editing, namely for the car chase sequence, as well as other awards after its release. In 2007 it was selected into the United States National Film Registry for its cultural, historic or esthetic importance. The registry selects 25 films every year for the honor.

At Stanford Court Hotel, we’re admittedly big fans of this film. Such fans, in fact, that a still from the movie of Steve McQueen burning rubber in his 1968 Ford Mustang GT Fastback hangs above the bar at the onsite Seven Stills Nob Hill bar and restaurant. Come have a drink to take a look for yourself and make sure to check out our special Seven Stills Nob Hill package.

We’re not the only ones excited about the 50th anniversary of such an iconic movie. The Ford Motor Company recently announced its release of the third generation Ford Mustang Bullitt in honor of the film’s 50th anniversary.

See photos and check out specs of this very modernized throwback that celebrates the car that Steve McQueen made famous.

San Francisco has changed since Bullitt was released on Oct. 17, 1968, but the steepness of Russian Hill is no different; nor the broad Bay views; nor the city’s undeniable renegade spirit.

We at Stanford Court Hotel plan to do something special for the 50th anniversary of Bullit – stay tuned for details.

And in the meantime, book your stay at Stanford Court Hotel.

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Stanford Court Hotel is a boutique hotel located in Nob Hill. Close to Chinatown, Union Square, and North Beach, Stanford Court Hotel offers free bike rentals to guests to make every part of San Francisco accessible. Our fitness center and eco-friendly amenities set us apart from the rest in a city focused on moving toward the future. Ready to book with us? Check out our online specials here.