At the turn of the 20th century, young Asa Yoelson decides to go against the wishes of his cantor father and pursue a career in show business. Gradually working his way up through the vaudeville ranks, Asa — now calling himself Al Jolson — joins a blackface minstrel troupe and soon builds a reputation as a consummate performer. But as his career grows in size, so does his ego, resulting in battles in business as well as in his personal life.
Similar titles
You May Also Like
Reviews
Terrible acting, screenplay and direction.
Redundant and unnecessary.
It was OK. I don't see why everyone loves it so much. It wasn't very smart or deep or well-directed.
I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible
The Jolson Story does for Al Jolson's life what 'Night and Day' did for Cole Porter's; it's a heavily romanticized fictional story with occasional bits of truth thrown in. Larry Parks does a fine job channeling the charisma that made Al Jolson one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Mr. Parks sang along to Jolson's records so it would look more realistic, like he was actually singing. The real Jolson sang the songs and it's a treat to hear, if not see him. Evelyn Keyes plays a character called Julie Benson as his wife. They had to do this because Jolson's real ex-wife Ruby Keeler would not give them permission to use her name. William Demarest is along for the ride as a man who supposedly gave Jolson his start in show business and later became like a second father too him...also fiction. Still the movie is very entertaining, the acting is good and it's well written. Especially enjoyable are the musical numbers. One scene that was factual is the real Jolson was known to stop a show and just sing for the audience's pleasure. It must have been something to see him live. I've read that his appearances on film pale in comparison to him singing in person. It's said he could electrify an audience so that each member felt he was singing just for them. Like so many other biographical movies...'The Jolson Story' is a very fictional story, still it is well worth seeing. Mr. Parks did deserve the Oscar nomination he received. The movie was a huge success at the box office and I can see why. It received Academy Awards for Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture and Best Sound, Recording. The nominations it received: Best Actor in a Leading Role (Larry Parks), Best Actor in a Supporting Role (William Demarest), Best Cinematography, Color and Best Film Editing. A sequel with Mr. Parks came out three years later and is also a good film. I recommend this movie for a good time and don't be surprised if you start singing along with the sound track.
1946's The Jolson Story (in all of its lush, Technicolor glory) may not have been an accurate depiction of entertainer Al Jolson's life, per se, but, in the long run, it was still quite an engaging production (in a kitsch sort of way).Corny, nostalgic and very sentimental, The Jolson Story is a film that is certainly true to form when it comes to the likes of being your typical 1940's Bio-picture.With its $3 million budget (which was obviously well-spent on its numerous, lavishly-staged musical numbers, and such), I give a lot of credit to actor Larry Parks who played Jolson (as an adult) in the story. Parks' exuberant and likable portrayal, along with his seamless lip-syncing of Jolson's songs, were, to me, what clearly helped carry The Jolson Story successfully along to its unbelievable "happy ending" nonsense.*Note* - Back in his heyday, Al Jolson was dubbed "The World's Greatest Entertainer". At the peak of his career he was America's most famous and highest-paid entertainers, bar none.In 1950, at the age of 64, Al Jolson died from a massive heart attack.
The world turns it's head one day when this musical artist went to work on Broadway. Seeing this movie called " The Jolson Story " is a must for all classic movie lovers. The incredible combination of Larry Parks and Scotty Beckett as Asa Jolson was a stroke of sheer genius. This energetic film legacy of the 30's superstar is to say the least fantastic. It begins with the early roots of the boy Asa and his start in the evolving burlesque show with Steve Martin (William Demarest). Although Martin is a combination of several key people in Al's real life, the magical rise of Jolson is due entirely to his electrically charge talent which he exhibited on film. However, once the legendary tunes begin to lay the foundation for the Jazz Singer the rest they say is history. Although much of the actual history of the great singer is concocted or at least structured, the heart remains that of Jolson and one can easily forgive the short cuts to be entertaining. Nothing would have pleased the great stage entertainer more than to repeat his life for a new audience such as we. A lively rendition and enthusiastically recommended to anyone with a ear for our American Broadway heritage in the form of Al Jolson. ****
I could sit and listen to Jolson music endlessly. First of all,he had to be the originator of soul music, sung right from the heart. We heard what he felt and then felt what he felt. Secondly,he was the only singer I ever heard whose voice sounded like a trumpet. Perfect pitch, clear,crisp and resounding. Hence, we put together those two attributes, add his showmanship, charm and charisma and we end up with the greatest single entertainer in the history of American show business. Larry Parks is truly astounding and gives a performance, including perfect lip synching, that should have earned him the Oscar. Politics came first, apparently. The film, even with its occasional flaws, was amazingly entertaining. From the first scene to when his Julie Benson walks out by realizing that she could have never taken the music out of Jolson and vice versa,the entire production was pure hypnotic joy. Unbeatable music, warmth, tenderness and humility run wild. A superb feast for the ears and eyes. A never-to-be-forgotten film.
Top Streaming Movies
