My Dad was a Jolson impersonator in the 1940s and 50s, so of course I grew up listening to him sing all those wonderful songs. So many memories! My eyes were full of tears all through the film.
Ive never watched the Jolson story or this one But watched them back to back today. What a wonderful story. Absolutely one of the best I've seen. Songs are fabulous even today. Can't beat the old movies. They don't make like this anymore
I wish there was one television channel dedicated to putting on old musicals.singrrs like Al Jolson,Gordon MacRae ,Howard Keel,Mario Lanka...dining n dancing Fred Astaire,Gene Kelly,Donald O'Connor's etc. Bring them on!!!!!
I agree. Bring them all I’m best films EVER. They don’t make them like this anymore. Their all violence, sex, swearing there is no need of this. The world now is rotten enough without this. Yes let’s have the good old films. Yankee Doodle Dandy, Mario Lanza. Jolson Story etc etc.
im 28 years old and sometimes i wish i was born 100 years before. 1892. id like to experience all this. back then it seems like there was structure unlike today when its all chaotic. i love the suits and dresses.
My Grandma loved these movies. My Mum, now in her 80's will still sit and watch them when she misses her Mum. I remember the 3 of us watching together in the 60's. I know these movies are biographical with a lot of padding[Jolson was actually9 when his Mum died] but I still love them. Same as Yankee Doodle Dandy and The Glenn Miller Story. Classics.
I know all your feelings. I’m 90. I remember these films all those years ago. You Ain’t seen Nothing Yet! And never will. Wonderful The Jolson Story all of them. Thank God for modern technology. 😂😂❤❤
"What a wonderful movie!!!!, Larry Parks was truly feeling the music of Al Jolson, who coached him in the making of both movies!!!, I love the little bit of comedy thrown in also, "The Jolson Story" and "Jolson Sings Again" are WONDERFUL MOVIES, great casting"!!!!!!! 🎶🎼🎤💞💞💞👍👍👍😃😃😃
Actually HUAC threw him out of business. When HUAC was going after Lucille Ball - Desi had arranged for the press to come out to their house, and before the press arrived the doorbell rang and Larry Parks was there with roses. She said, "Larry, I love you but can't talk to you now."
Also later on after the press left, Lucy saw Lou Costello outside in the back of her house. She, of course, knew who he was but they were not friends. (He was not investigated by HUAC.) When she went outside he looked at her and said, Ï thought you might need a friend to talk to at this time. What a wonderful man -- he had a lot of tragedy in his life - fortunately the Red Scare was not one of them, but came to be supportive of her - those were very trying times. I loved Lou Costello and Lucy as a child - When I either read this in a book or saw it in one of the documentaries about Lucy and Desi -- made me love Lou Costello even more for his compassion during such trying times.
I didn't know that Al Jolson played himself in Jolson sings again, when he sings Swanee, because he said that Larry Parks would not sing it the way Al Jolson sings it.
That movie I just watched was so awesome, thank you to whomever put this on you tube, I so love the greatest generation, what an incredible pool of talent, Al Jolson was magnificent and such a great American.👍👍👍
Nov 29, 2019 ~~ I just watched the first movie "The Al Jolson Story" Larry Parks is an awesome Jolson. Watching this one I didn't want it to end, knowing there would be no more. I'm near 76 No born in 1944. The big silver screen had lots of great movies in black & white. This was in Color! It makes it better of course. Did you notice the Back ground music was so soft you could understand every word. Today They turn the sound up loud and the Audio Engineers Kill your ear drums with sensational notice drowning out the story line. I'm sure I'm not the only person that complains but the kids like noise I guess. // I bet if they put this back in the theaters it would sell again.
Love this and the Jolson Story.. watched both many times over the past 30 or 40 years.. Larry Parkes lip sync is impeccable, not once does he miss.. perfect!
Yes sir. There was no mediocre then. Everyone gave their best when it came to entertainment. Lots of people even today thinks Larry Parks was imitating Jolson when in fact he was lip syncing. Expertly done.
Just watched "Sonny Boy" and I'm a little sad...I used to watch this movie with my late father all the time, and whenever it got to this part, whenever we watched it, dad would always hold me (hug me) ever since I was a little bit of a thing and so I associate this with him so much that to hear it, makes me sad and miss him so much. I usually skip past it because I know it turns me into a blubbering mess - which it did AGAIN just now, but makes me also cherish the times I had with my dad. God I miss him so much but this helps me keep him alive and the memory of him in my heart. I love you, dad!
My dad passed at age 42. I was born in 41 so my dad went in the service. So be thankful for all those hugs. I didn’t get that many. Add my name to the list of “I miss him’s.” A Jolie fan
I 1st saw the Jolson on the channel 9 movie of the week. When they played the same movie every night for a week. I was about 12 years old. It changed my life forever. I went into show business for the next 30 years. Didn't make it as big as Jolie, but I loved every minute of it. While all those around me were playing rock, funk, punk and metal I listened to Jolson. I'm 67 years old now and I'm still watching it. I've read everything about him and although the story on film isn't exactly true, I still feel the same watching it now as I did when I was 12. What an amazing man.
hello friends, i am only 32 & i love the jolson story & jolson sings again, love the films very much, my grandad got me into them before he passed, i know all the songs of by heart, love singing along to them as well, may consider doing my very own cd of him as i can do a very good impression of his voice, enjoy watching folks
😢 Me and my husband danced to the Anniversary waltz at our wedding 53 years old and on every anniversary we dance to it again and again. We fell in love to this song.
Ty Becker for uploading this wonderful Al Jolson sings agaim ... Ive just watched both of the Al jolson movies together and Im so happy i found both The Jolsom story. And jolson sings again... brings bak memories of me my nana and my mum watching all these old wonderful movies... last time i saw both of these was wen i was very young child .. was raised watching watching old classics from birth ... im so glad i found both movies and now in colour....remembered every song and sang along....cryd and smiled as i watchd them both Al Jolson was a 30 yr entertainer singer .... amd I love his songs. ....🎉 What a wonderful singer he was .... I truly enjoyd watching both movies about him his life story amd so glad I found these 2 movies of him after mamy yrs ... those were the days ... a completely different era ... these old movies dont even compare to the movies of today ... wonderful acting from wonderful actors and actresses ... I will be adding this movie to my favourites.... both of these..... songs that ive never forgotten....Ty for uploading this movie about Al Jolson ❤ i also remember Yankee Doodle Dandy and love the songa that were sung inc his lifestory aswel and hope to find the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy both wonderful singers and entertainers of those days .. Ty from a happy new subscriber @Becker ❤
Jolie could sing a Mammy song then follow it up with a popular song of the time. Even Christmas or Easter songs. His Version of White Christmas is fantastic. But he gave Bing his due and called him the greatest of all time.
The writers captured his egotism without making him unlikeable. And when his father(in the first film) days "you want to sing prayers onstage?" his reply encapsulates why he was such a great singer."No, just the feeling that's in prayer."
So very heartwarming! Best singer, entertainer, great Al Jolson. ❤️ Love all movies by this awesome man! One of a kind! Larry Parks was so amazing, love him too! Best stories ever, thank you all! God ❤️ & bless! 💕 xoxo 💋 😘 🙏 👍 ✌️
Both Jolson films are IMO miracles of movie making splendor. They showed The Jolson Story on television way back in the early sixties, and all the kids my age were mesmerized by it, Jolson being in a sense reborn to every generation that views these masterpieces of charming cinematic art. It goes without saying that the plot is more invented than a faithful record of literal history, but as the old saw goes, history is seldom an inspired, well honed screenplay writer. We don't sit still for literal history in my humble opinion. What we like, of course, is to be carried away by a splendid yarn.
Both Jolson movies are worth watching for the great Jolson songs. But they are great movies, too, with good acting. Parks does a tremendous job playing Jolson.
Larry Parks breathed new life into Jolson’s legacy and these movies introduced Jolson to new generations. I saw them when I was a teenager in the 1960s and I became an instant Jolson fan. The Beatles, the Monkees, and Al Jolson - no one could accuse me of not having varied taste!!
2020 and this one still gets me. I love the scene where Al is watching the Jolson Story. That must’ve been so weird for him in real life. Al Jolson will live on forever
It was weird all right. After the sneak preview of THE JOLSON STORY in Santa Barbara to gauge audience reaction, Al Jolson was behind a pillar in the lobby and listening to the audience reaction as they were leaving. One little old lady was blinking back tears and saying, “What a pity. What a pity he didn’t live to see this.” Jolson was floored. ❤😂
Brings back so many good memory's of my dear old mam taking me to watch al jolson story at the pictures she loved it me dad must have seen it loads off times so he was happy to let me go instead " brill ""
Belated; April 2018: 68 years after his passing in 1950. I was 13 yrs old and probably heard him singing on a radio station. It wasn't unit the Al Jolson story (movie) was on the silver screen in my Brooklyn, theatre that I 1st viewed and listen to Jolson (played by Larry Parks). As as a kid; loved singing, still sing @ 81 yrs., young at heart. From the movie, I carried songs in my mind and I tried to impersonate Jolson's voice when I sang His songs. I like to take this moment to Thank him; where ever he may be singing in heaven, for the free service and entertainment he did and shared with those military persons during WWII. I write this message for what its worth if anything because I find myself today singing some of His songs at home. Sincerely, Mr. Bruce Senior. Baja Ca Mex. PS: He had a quote: "After I die, I'll be forgotten" Al Jolson.
Al Jolson was during my Father's time. All I heard was talk of Al Jolson. So about 8 years ago, I bought The Story of Al Jolson by Larry Parks and the second one which is, Jolson Sings Again. I did not know what a minstrel show was or anything about Al Jolson. It was simply wonderful, great story of his life and music. For all you fans of AL Jolson, if you just bought "Jolson Sings Again" - you missed the whole first part of a movie per se. In the first one Evelyn Keyes, plays his wife, and sings and dances with him and it is beautiful, tells the story of how he got into music at about 15 years of age. So go out and buy the first one which really starts the MOVIE. You have missed the whole first part of this movie. Evelyn Keyes is just beautiful, great talent, great body. I won't tell you anymore or I will ruin the story of his life for you. I watch this all the time and simply love it! Larry Parks is Al Jolson in both and Amanda Blake is his second wife. So go to Amazon and buy it. HAVE A HAPPY, HAPPY, NEW YEAR!!
mariarosachristina -I totally agree with you and in the first part, with Eveleyn Keyes, she was also very talented and sang with him. So great.The both did a magnificent job. Yep, great movies!!!!!
Gina Sullivan -My folks got me into these movies also and I saw it on tv, the whole movie and to go buy it. Watch it all the time. I still love it too. Thanks for commenting., GINA.
Love this film - reminds me of my boy and getting him to sleep as a baby, Jolson always worked, and I also remember what the Senate on Un American activities did to Larry Parkes.
I was 10 or 11 years old when 'The Jolson Story was released here in UK in 1946, maybe 1947...I was a young travelling showman, and for the following 2 years, every fairground played Jolson records........ I, as many others, was smitten by that 'special voice'.... 'Jolson sings again ' came into a West End Cinema about 18 months after 'The Jolson Story' , and my mother took me to see the very first showing of it.... Now, seeing both movies all these years later, I realise how wonderful Larry Parkes' performances were. Parkes was nominated for best actor award for 'The Jolson Story'......He should have got the Oscar, but it went to Frederic March, for 'The best years of our lives'. Throughout the filming of 'The Jolson story, Parkes and 'Joly' would stand before two large mirrors, and Parkeston would practice 'Joly's actions.... Now I must say this....I have seen old footage of Jolson, and, in my opinion, Parkes' actions in the songs were better than the real Job son's.......
I saw the Jolson Story 4 times and enjoyed each viewing. The first time was in LA, CA four months after it's release. In my opinion he was one of the top entertainer's to ever be on stage. His voice did improve, as shown in the movie, in his later years on stage. My Mom and I spent hours of enjoyment listening to his records. I have only heard one voice that sounds like Al Jolson and that belonged to Al Jolson...
With just one lung, Jolson sang the best Rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening" ever sung. And when Israel was born, his rendition of HaTikvah, loyal to Naftali Hertz Ember's original words was downright breathtaking.
Facts ? Facts like he was married 4 times ? Facts like Ruby divorced him on grounds of mental cruelty? Facts like he could never have his own children? In every life , even ours, when you talk about it do you reveal all the facts? Truth ? The Facts are that this man was a true superstar. A genius way ahead of his time . An inspiration. To so many people including me ;) thanks for posting this . Dave
No matter what his personal life was, it never took away from his talent & charisma. If you couldn’t see him and just heard his voice, (radio) you knew who he was.
I loved both Jolson movies and thought Larry Parks was wonderful. I adored both Larry and his wife, Betty Garrett. Especially after reading her book. They were a wonderful couple.
Brian Morgan Hey Brian, you put some years on with that tidbit. Wow, 50 years ago. I was 21. I'm an old fart myself. I recall quite well my dad and mom and uncles talking about Jolson in glowing terms. My grandpa even saw Enrico Caruso sing in Chicago in the early 20's.
@@joelweisberg I must be the ‘oldest’ (haha) one between the two of you, I’m 21 right now! I’m glad to say there’s those of us in this generation who appreciate the classics same as you all did.
This is the greatest film I've ever seen! The voices are soft and easy to listen to and the movie dosen't try to force entertainment onto you it has great music and an amazing plot it should've been more heard of
HE WAS THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER OF HIS TIME. NOT THE NICEST GUY BUT GREAT AT SINGING AND ENTERTAINING. DIED VERY YOUNG AFTER ENTERTAINING OUR TROOPS OVERSEAS. STILL LIKE HIS MUSIC
Larry Parks WAS SENSATIONAL !!!! ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMANCES IN A MOTION PICTURE TWICE. IN THE HISTORY OF FILMS. AL JOLSON TRUELY WAS THE " WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER" .!! AL JOLSON WAS SUPERB !! THIS PICTURE AND THE ONE BEFORE IT JOLSON STORY 1946 WERE SENSATIONAL PICTURES. THE CAST AND THE STORY AND THE MUSIC IN BOTH PICTURES.. JOLSON STORY 1946 AND " JOLSON SINGS AGAIN " 1949 JUST WONDERFUL.. A+ ALL THE WAY AROUND..
Thank you for your kind words. I have both Al Jolson movies on DVD.. I never get tired of watching them I have 20 Al Jolson karaoke tracks I love to sing them in karaoke always.. The story and the music JUST SUPERB !!! A + ALL THE WAY AROUND. THANKS AGAIN !! AND THE BEST TO YOU ALSO ALWAYS !!
JOLSON LEGEND #1 While most know of the above shot of Jolson playing Jolson singing Swanee on the runway, there is another shot often thought to be Jolson himself in The Jolson Story. Just a few minutes into the picture, Scotty Beckett, playing the young Al Jolson, starts to lip synch to the uncredited Rudy Wissler, singing "Banks of the Wabash," when Steve Martin, played by William Demarest, yells "Give that boy a spotlight." As Scotty stands up, there's a figure, standing to the right of the screen, with a white shirt and vending tray, whose appearance suggests Jolson's in the opening scene of Rose of Washington Square, and is thought by many to be Jolie, himself. A close examination of recent prints of the film shows that this is not Al Jolson at all. This Technicolor masterpiece tells the fictionalized story of Al Jolson, the man who truly was the World's Greatest Entertainer. Tracing his career from his boyhood in Washington, D.C., singing with his father in synagogue, with his boyhood voice provided by the talented then-young singer, the late Rudy Wissler, through his minstrel days, to becoming a headliner on Broadway, this film won the Academy Awards for Musical Scoring for Morris Stoloff, as well as an Oscar for Sound Recording for John Livadary, the movie also was nominated for Best Actor for Larry Parks' portrayal of Al Jolson. It premiered at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on October 10, 1946, 19 years and four days after The Jazz Singer took the world by storm as the first talking picture. Featuring 25 songs by Jolson, including "My Mammy," "You Made Me Love You," and "Ma Blushin' Rosie," Jolson himself appears in a long runway shot, singing Gershwin's immortal "Swanee." While playing a bit loose with the facts of Jolson's life, this film is a must see for anyone who wants to get a flavor of this show business legend. www.jolson.org/
Jolson still turns a heart and a tear...............My opinion says Al was the 'Babe Ruth' of entertainment.........Today's generation doesn't realize the total overall greatness of The Babe.............just so was Jolie in his own class.........this is more than memory recall.
Great film & naturally, great singing by Jolson himself. The shame is that Jolson went to perform for the troops in Korea & contracted a serious bronchial infection, but he went on performing anyway. About four weeks after he came back to the States, he died in 1950.
Doctors have told Jolson " NO MORE KOREAS " but Jolson always had that strong determination in him, unlike his brother Harry; was in vaudeville too, but he's only known as Jolson's older brother.
I've never seen this, love these movies, thank you for the upload. The storyline, acting and dialogue, Sure don't make them like this anymore. Classic treasures! to watch over and over.
love this movie, so funny tho to think in the scenes when he sings at the army bases in the context of the scene he's singing to a piano and still doing all the actions and dance moves to the orchestra lol at least until the end when theres actually other instruments lol
HI GUYS!! I LOVE BOTH MOVIES ABOUT AL JOLSON. I FOUND THE ORIGINAL JOLSON STORY DONE BY JOLSON HIMSELF. POWERFUL VOICE AND LOVE THEIR ENDING TOO. CRYED FOR ALL THE MOVIES. I'M SENTIMENTAL THAT WAY. SONNY BOY IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES, I SING TO MY SON. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS MY HEART IS FULLER NOW. PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY ❤️ 🙏
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER AL JOLSON !!! AND THAT IS NO CLICHE IN THIS CASE FOLKS.!!! AL HAD A SPECIAL DISTINCT SUPERB VOICE THAT NO ONE HAS EVEN COME CLOSE TO.. EVEN ARTISTS WHO SANG HIS SONGS THEIR VOICE NOT EVEN CLOSE.. AND AL'S TALENT HAD NO BOUNDS !!!! NONE WHAT SO EVER !!!! HE WAS SENSATIONAL !!!
I read once there was a theater in the 1940s that would give you a small badge if you had proof that you saw the Jolson Story TEN times. I saw this movie thru the 1960s and 70s and I should have 20 badges by now.
More trivia facts for fans of The Jolson Story: 1. Virginia Rees dubbed the singing voice of Evelyn Keyes, cantor Saul Silverman did the same for Ludwig Donath and Rudy Wissler dubbed Scotty Beckett. 2. William Demarest, who plays a character named Steve Martin, plays a similar role, also named Steve Martin, with the real Al Jolson in Warner's The Jazz Singer nineteen years earlier. 3. Lew Dockstader and Oscar Hammerstein did not discover Al Jolson. By the time Dockstader signed Jolson in 1908, Jolson had been performing in vaudeville with his brother Harry for several years. 4. In addition to the fee he received for selling the rights to his life story, Al Jolson also was paid $25,000 for recording the songs for the film. 5.When shooting the musical numbers, Larry Parks didn't merely mouth the words to Al Jolson's pre-recorded vocals, as was customary. Instead, he sang along to Jolson's records in full voice so it would look like he was actually singing. 6. In the movie, When Jolson attends the premiere of The Jazz Singer (1927) we hear the soundtrack, but Warner Bros., which owned the rights to The Jazz Singer (1927), would not permit a visual clip to be shown in this film, which was made by Columbia. 7.The film's accuracy was severely compromised by the fact that Al Jolson's third wife, Ruby Keeler, refused to allow her name to appear on screen. 8. James Cagney turned down the lead role in The Jolson Story (1946), which went to Larry Parks. 9. In the long shot of Jolson performing 'Swanee' on the "runway", 56:54, Al Jolson played himself, his only appearance in the film. 10. Scotty Beckett was used instead of Rudy Wissler because of his strong resemblance to Larry Parks.
My eldest brother was 10 years older than me, he was a huge Al Jolson fan, so i grew up listening to all his records. I was probably about 12 when I first saw The Jolson Story, immediately followed by Jolson Sings Again, and I thought I was seeing Al Jolson! A wonderful combination of good looks and a fabulous voice.
Parks was all right but the films would have been nothing with Jolson himself doing to vocals & even appeared (in blackface) as himself in a scene ... truly the world's greatest entertainer ...
I first saw The Jolson Story about 30 years ago and bought both films on video within about a week of seeing it. I know it's not an accurate account of Mr. Jolson's life but I thought the film was captivating as by then it was already an old film and I was amazed that even all those years ago they could do such wonders in film. Mr Parks could have been singing those songs himself. I still have the videos but they're sadly buried in a box in the garage after several house moves. Seeing this today has brought back some wonderful memories not to mention the joy of hearing that unique voice again. Thank you so much.
+ciaphas100 Well you should go HUNTING out in your garage and find your movies...I LOVE THEM TOO.....I saw them in the 50's first time. SOme of the BEST entertainment. The boy in the movie is actually LIP SINCING......a non-actor young lad is the one actually singing all of these songs that the boy does. He is still living today...I think both of them are...I did alot of search and found them and read up on both of them. WHAT a beautiful voice for some wonderful melody songs....just love them I have a large collection of AL JOLSON CLUSTER ALBUMS....several 78rpm old thick records in each ALBUM....all originals that Al Jolson sung....Collectively I have alot of actual RECORDS most all 78's. In these book like albums. GOOD LUCK with your find. Ken from Orlando, FL.
+JacobsOompa Hahaha. it'll take me a week to fight my way into the middle of my garage!!!!! Still, it would be a battle worth fighting to dig them out again. I'll have to see if one of my kids will come and give their poor old mum a hand. I'll let you know if I succeed :-)
+ciaphas100 Yep I am sure it will be WORTH IT....but, wow sounds like you'd have to send in a "search Party" to find them.....sounds like my craft room LOL......we all have some place in our homes like that LOL....I admit it too LOL....almost have to leave bread crumbs in a path to find your way back OUT LOL... Good Luck to ya tho.... Ken
+ciaphas100 HA!!! too!!!.....ORganization is not always what it's cracked up to be LOL....atleast that's what I say when I've made the mess LOL......I know where everything is if it's a mess LOL....I'm not that bad...but sometimes......it is good to just SHUT THE LIGHT OFF and CLOSE THE DOOR LOL Ken
Thanks so much for posting this. Wonderful follow up to The Jolson Story. Barbara Hale before her Della Street days as Ellen Clark, portraying Al's last wife Erle Gailbraith, who was even more attractive than Barbara.
Remakes are always a dicey proposition. So after seeing Park's masterpiece, I had a dim view of this idea... but I was dead wrong. While it lacked the greatness of the initial film, this one was imminently watchable, all due to the marvelous cast and great writing, especially how they used Larry Parks to play Jolson, all over again. This wonderful picture was made the year I was born, and what a great birthday gift it was. Thanks for posting.
George Burns used to say that Jolson was the best all-around entertainer. He was a good dancer, not the best like Astaire or Kelly, but good. He was a very good singer, maybe not quite the best of his day, but very good. And he was a good comedian, again not the best but quite good. He was the broadest show business talent to come along in the last 100 years. I wish we could know more about how he practiced and studied. I've heard he used to go to shows in his spare time and write down jokes and dance moves and then practice them. Bogart used to do that also (not dance moves, but little acting tricks and techniques). Even current (recent) singers such Rod Stewart and David Lee Roth credit Jolson with inspiring their work (Stewart recorded a great collection of classic old 'American Songbook' tunes a few years ago -- he even sang the songs' introductions, which you seldom here today).
There is VERY LITTLE spoken by that generation of entertainers that is reliable or accurate. And most of the things they are credited with saying were never said at all.
What a tragedy that Larry Parks, who had long since repudiated any affiliation with the Communist Party, had his career destroyed by the Hollywood Blacklist after the release of this film. Elia Kazan, the Oscar winning director of Streetcar Named Desire and On The Waterfront, had the same brief connection to the Party, became disenchanted like Parks, was called before the House Committee, named names, and continued with his successful directing activities. Parks was destroyed and died at sixty.
Parks and his wife (also a well known actress) did quite well in real estate. His career may have been shut down, but he still had success in life. Just look at his Wikipedia as well as the Wiki of his wife.
Have always had a curiosity about this so called black list. Thank you for an explanation how horrific for those falsely accused that ruined that life that reputation.
He and his wife were victims of "McCarthyism" & the "Red Scare" during the 1950's. The government had them both blacklisted from Hollywood, for "un-American activities". (commies) He appeared in only 4 more movies after this. Fortunately his wife (Betty Garrett) made somewhat of a comeback in the early 1970's, landing a supporting role on the insanely popular TV series, "All in the Family", (as "Irene Lorenzo") & then on "Lavern & Shirley". (as Edna Babish De Fazio)
@@LazlosPlane The films were hits way back when. The black face would certainly be offensive today, but then it was considered part of a show business tradition. No one today believes Jolson racist in any way,
@@lewisc215 YOu repeat the obvious. WE KNOW they were very very popular films. The point is that they are grossly under-appreciated TODAY. That,in spite of blackface.
You know what would be a great idea, for someone to show the Jolson story and jolson sings again on the big screen. Just like the old day's and all the money went to charity.
When I trained as a nurse from 1962-1965 they were still training nurses how to shave an unconscious man. It would have been just part of the job back then.
My Dad was a Jolson impersonator in the 1940s and 50s, so of course I grew up listening to him sing all those wonderful songs. So many memories! My eyes were full of tears all through the film.
My eyes too!
Yes I am 91 😢 married 62 years 😢 yes wonderful music so many memories sad tears. Night God Bless RIP AL JOLSON. X
Ive never watched the Jolson story or this one But watched them back to back today. What a wonderful story. Absolutely one of the best I've seen. Songs are fabulous even today. Can't beat the old movies. They don't make like this anymore
I just loved this. I am 81 years old and this brought back wonderful memories of the Alambra in Cape Town in the early sixties. Thank you!!!
I wish there was one television channel dedicated to putting on old musicals.singrrs like Al Jolson,Gordon MacRae ,Howard Keel,Mario Lanka...dining n dancing Fred Astaire,Gene Kelly,Donald O'Connor's etc. Bring them on!!!!!
I agree. Bring them all
I’m best films EVER. They don’t make them like this anymore. Their all violence, sex, swearing there is no need of this. The world now is rotten enough without this. Yes let’s have the good old films. Yankee Doodle Dandy, Mario Lanza. Jolson Story etc etc.
I'm 25 years old old classic movies are the best
im 28 years old and sometimes i wish i was born 100 years before. 1892. id like to experience all this. back then it seems like there was structure unlike today when its all chaotic. i love the suits and dresses.
You are a young man with "good taste"! 😊❤
My Grandma loved these movies. My Mum, now in her 80's will still sit and watch them when she misses her Mum. I remember the 3 of us watching together in the 60's. I know these movies are biographical with a lot of padding[Jolson was actually9 when his Mum died] but I still love them. Same as Yankee Doodle Dandy and The Glenn Miller Story. Classics.
I am 86 and still love Al Jolson as I did when I was a teenager. He was indeed the world's greatest entertainer.
Donna if there is the greatest, he could be it!!!!
A Million Ditto's to that Donna, Loved Larry Parks as Jolson, not to mention the movie, not like most of the crap today??.
Right there with you Ms Weller. There was only one Jolson and no one will ever come close.
I know all your feelings. I’m 90. I remember these films all those years ago. You Ain’t seen Nothing Yet! And never will. Wonderful The Jolson Story all of them. Thank God for modern technology. 😂😂❤❤
Jolson surely is a national treasure! I'm in my 50s and I love his voice!
Larry Parks did an amazing job playing Al Jolson.
he really did. Larry Parks is awesome.
It's brilliant; he had to show Jolson's ego and still make him likeable.
"What a wonderful movie!!!!, Larry Parks was truly feeling the music of Al Jolson, who coached him in the making of both movies!!!, I love the little bit of comedy thrown in also, "The Jolson Story" and "Jolson Sings Again" are WONDERFUL MOVIES, great casting"!!!!!!! 🎶🎼🎤💞💞💞👍👍👍😃😃😃
AS a kid I saw this film about 25 times. Loved it. Larry Parks career was typed cast & retired from show business.
Actually HUAC threw him out of business.
When HUAC was going after Lucille Ball - Desi had arranged for the press to come out to their house, and before the press arrived the doorbell rang and Larry Parks was there with roses. She said, "Larry, I love you but can't talk to you now."
Also later on after the press left, Lucy saw Lou Costello outside in the back of her house. She, of course, knew who he was but they were not friends. (He was not investigated by HUAC.) When she went outside he looked at her and said, Ï thought you might need a friend to talk to at this time. What a wonderful man -- he had a lot of tragedy in his life - fortunately the Red Scare was not one of them, but came to be supportive of her - those were very trying times. I loved Lou Costello and Lucy as a child - When I either read this in a book or saw it in one of the documentaries about Lucy and Desi -- made me love Lou Costello even more for his compassion during such trying times.
I didn't know that Al Jolson played himself in Jolson sings again, when he sings Swanee, because he said that Larry Parks would not sing it the way Al Jolson sings it.
That movie I just watched was so awesome, thank you to whomever put this on you tube, I so love the greatest generation, what an incredible pool of talent, Al Jolson was magnificent and such a great American.👍👍👍
Nov 29, 2019 ~~ I just watched the first movie "The Al Jolson Story" Larry Parks is an awesome Jolson. Watching this one I didn't want it to end, knowing there would be no more. I'm near 76 No born in 1944. The big silver screen had lots of great movies in black & white. This was in Color! It makes it better of course. Did you notice the Back ground music was so soft you could understand every word. Today They turn the sound up loud and the Audio Engineers Kill your ear drums with sensational notice drowning out the story line. I'm sure I'm not the only person that complains but the kids like noise I guess. // I bet if they put this back in the theaters it would sell again.
One of my all-time favorite movies. Larry Parks is great and so are the other actors. I can't say how many times I have watched this. Great movie!
Larry Parks should have won the Oscar for the Jolson Story.
I love them too.
Love this and the Jolson Story.. watched both many times over the past 30 or 40 years.. Larry Parkes lip sync is impeccable, not once does he miss.. perfect!
Yes sir. There was no mediocre then. Everyone gave their best when it came to entertainment. Lots of people even today thinks Larry Parks was imitating Jolson when in fact he was lip syncing. Expertly done.
First time I saw the Jolson story dad took me I was five,, Seen both movies and real story lots of times ,Wonderful!
Wonderful movie!! Was 12 years when I saw it the first time . Never tire of it!!! Nancy
Been a mental fan of Jolson and these films since I was a kid.. Almost cried when Larry Parks died..
Love ❤️ love Larry Parks
Just watched "Sonny Boy" and I'm a little sad...I used to watch this movie with my late father all the time, and whenever it got to this part, whenever we watched it, dad would always hold me (hug me) ever since I was a little bit of a thing and so I associate this with him so much that to hear it, makes me sad and miss him so much. I usually skip past it because I know it turns me into a blubbering mess - which it did AGAIN just now, but makes me also cherish the times I had with my dad. God I miss him so much but this helps me keep him alive and the memory of him in my heart. I love you, dad!
I miss my pop the same way.....
Me too!
My dad passed at age 42. I was born in 41 so my dad went in the service. So be thankful for all those hugs. I didn’t get that many. Add my name to the list of “I miss him’s.”
A Jolie fan
That's sad but it's nice it's human and quite lovely.❤
Both the Jolson movies have stood the test of time, with all their cleverness nowadays , they couldn't improve on them .
I 1st saw the Jolson on the channel 9 movie of the week. When they played the same movie every night for a week.
I was about 12 years old.
It changed my life forever. I went into show business for the next 30 years. Didn't make it as big as Jolie, but I loved every minute of it.
While all those around me were playing rock, funk, punk and metal I listened to Jolson.
I'm 67 years old now and I'm still watching it.
I've read everything about him and although the story on film isn't exactly true, I still feel the same watching it now as I did when I was 12. What an amazing man.
I’m 91 and I’m still watching The Jolson Story Films. Just breath taking. Over and over again. The singing the acting it’s amazing. 😢
hello friends, i am only 32 & i love the jolson story & jolson sings again, love the films very much, my grandad got me into them before he passed, i know all the songs of by heart, love singing along to them as well, may consider doing my very own cd of him as i can do a very good impression of his voice, enjoy watching folks
Go for it kid, we do not want these songs to die,ever.
When I have troubles this is my best medicine to feel good again.
me too!
Absolutely agree
Great movie my dad used to sing like Al Jolson brings back memories
Anybody notice how the perfect wife makes the man his best? Even if it takes a couple of tries to find her. Love this movie!
Got to be one of the greatest singers that ever lived.
😢 Me and my husband danced to the Anniversary waltz at our wedding 53 years old and on every anniversary we dance to it again and again. We fell in love to this song.
Thank you 👍
Ty Becker for uploading this wonderful Al Jolson sings agaim ... Ive just watched both of the Al jolson movies together and Im so happy i found both The Jolsom story. And jolson sings again... brings bak memories of me my nana and my mum watching all these old wonderful movies... last time i saw both of these was wen i was very young child .. was raised watching watching old classics from birth ... im so glad i found both movies and now in colour....remembered every song and sang along....cryd and smiled as i watchd them both Al Jolson was a 30 yr entertainer singer .... amd I love his songs.
....🎉 What a wonderful singer he was .... I truly enjoyd watching both movies about him his life story amd so glad I found these 2 movies of him after mamy yrs ... those were the days ... a completely different era ... these old movies dont even compare to the movies of today ... wonderful acting from wonderful actors and actresses ...
I will be adding this movie to my favourites.... both of these..... songs that ive never forgotten....Ty for uploading this movie about Al Jolson ❤ i also remember Yankee Doodle Dandy and love the songa that were sung inc his lifestory aswel and hope to find the movie Yankee Doodle Dandy both wonderful singers and entertainers of those days .. Ty from a happy new subscriber @Becker ❤
Every night I go to sleep listening to either The Jolson Story or Jolson Sings Again, they relax me and I soon fall to sleep
When I first saw The Al Jolson Story and heard his songs I never thought of him as a jazz singer but more a blues or R & B singer
Jolie could sing a Mammy song then follow it up with a popular song of the time. Even Christmas or Easter songs. His Version of White Christmas is fantastic. But he gave Bing his due and called him the greatest of all time.
Fantastic film, excellent songs and what a handsome man !
The writers captured his egotism without making him unlikeable. And when his father(in the first film) days "you want to sing prayers onstage?" his reply encapsulates why he was such a great singer."No, just the feeling that's in prayer."
The worlds greatest singer he was,always been my favourite since i was a little boy,still is at 78 year old.
So very heartwarming! Best singer, entertainer, great Al Jolson. ❤️ Love all movies by this awesome man! One of a kind! Larry Parks was so amazing, love him too! Best stories ever, thank you all! God ❤️ & bless! 💕 xoxo 💋 😘 🙏 👍 ✌️
Both Jolson films are IMO miracles of movie making splendor. They showed The Jolson Story on television way back in the early sixties, and all the kids my age were mesmerized by it, Jolson being in a sense reborn to every generation that views these masterpieces of charming cinematic art. It goes without saying that the plot is more invented than a faithful record of literal history, but as the old saw goes, history is seldom an inspired, well honed screenplay writer. We don't sit still for literal history in my humble opinion. What we like, of course, is to be carried away by a splendid yarn.
Guy Veloz cr
Guy Veloz g
It's so nice to see a good old musical again. I was nine years old when this came and saw it a the Fort Armstrong theater in Rock Island, Ill.
i was five my dad took me to a theater in Germany on the base and still watch it today and alot of times.
Both Jolson movies are worth watching for the great Jolson songs. But they are great movies, too, with good acting. Parks does a tremendous job playing Jolson.
All that part about Al Jolson being one of the first to entertain the troops and losing a lung is true
@@briantimmons3044 l
Larry Parks breathed new life into Jolson’s legacy and these movies introduced Jolson to new generations. I saw them when I was a teenager in the 1960s and I became an instant Jolson fan. The Beatles, the Monkees, and Al Jolson - no one could accuse me of not having varied taste!!
Great movie and performer. I was born in the wrong era. Damn this is good.
I love Jolson because of his passion when he sings.
2020 and this one still gets me. I love the scene where Al is watching the Jolson Story. That must’ve been so weird for him in real life. Al Jolson will live on forever
And i think even in that era was so weird !!!
It was weird all right. After the sneak preview of THE JOLSON STORY in Santa Barbara to gauge audience reaction, Al Jolson was behind a pillar in the lobby and listening to the audience reaction as they were leaving. One little old lady was blinking back tears and saying, “What a pity. What a pity he didn’t live to see this.” Jolson was floored. ❤😂
I grew up with Al Jolsons songs. It is marvellous that he was still alive, and able to make this movie and sing in his own voice! ❤
What an outstanding film this is! Thanks for uploading.
Brings back so many good memory's of my dear old mam taking me to watch al jolson story at the pictures she loved it me dad must have seen it loads off times so he was happy to let me go instead " brill
""
Belated; April 2018: 68 years after his passing in 1950. I was 13 yrs old and probably heard him singing on a radio station. It wasn't unit the Al Jolson story (movie) was on the silver screen in my Brooklyn, theatre that I 1st viewed and listen to Jolson (played by Larry Parks). As as a kid; loved singing, still sing @ 81 yrs., young at heart. From the movie, I carried songs in my mind and I tried to impersonate Jolson's voice when I sang His songs. I like to take this moment to Thank him; where ever he may be singing in heaven, for the free service and entertainment he did and shared with those military persons during WWII. I write this message for what its worth if anything because I find myself today singing some of His songs at home. Sincerely, Mr. Bruce Senior. Baja Ca Mex. PS: He had a quote: "After I die, I'll be forgotten" Al Jolson.
Forgotten? Not a chance...
My all time favourite entertainer
Al Jolson was during my Father's time. All I heard was talk of Al Jolson. So about 8 years ago, I bought The Story of Al Jolson by Larry Parks and the second one which is, Jolson Sings Again. I did not know what a minstrel show was or anything about Al Jolson. It was simply wonderful, great story of his life and music. For all you fans of AL
Jolson, if you just bought "Jolson Sings Again" - you missed the whole first part of a movie per se. In the first one Evelyn Keyes, plays his wife, and sings and dances with him and it is beautiful, tells the story of how he got into music at about 15 years of age. So go out and buy the first one which really starts the MOVIE. You have missed the whole first part of this movie. Evelyn Keyes is just beautiful, great talent, great body.
I won't tell you anymore or I will ruin the story of his life for you. I watch this all the time and simply love it! Larry Parks is Al Jolson in both and Amanda Blake is his second wife. So go to Amazon and buy it. HAVE A HAPPY, HAPPY, NEW YEAR!!
Rita Holland I love it watch it over and over nothing like the Jolson songs and Larry Parks did a magnificent job...great movies!!!
Rita Holland Hi Rita I to love this ,and Larry parks was brilliant my mother and father got me in to this loved it then and now x
mariarosachristina -I totally agree with you and in the first part, with Eveleyn Keyes, she was also very talented and sang with him. So great.The both did a magnificent job. Yep, great movies!!!!!
Gina Sullivan -My folks got me into these movies also and I saw it on tv, the whole movie and to go buy it. Watch it all the time. I still love it too. Thanks for commenting., GINA.
I was born in 1941 so it was Jolson's second time around...I love him...and I love the movie his songs are the best!
Had to watch this after the Jolson story they don't make these masterpieces anymore
"Don't worry about the facts". They really took him at his word. Yet, they captured the man perfectly. Parks was brilliant.
I love this movie and the first one! I actually uploaded the full Jolson story movie on my channel. (don't worry I'm not a bot.) Lol.
@@nourchame019 : Hi,
You should watch "The Jazz Singer". It was Jolson's first movie. It was also the first talking picture.
Wonderful flic.
Peace
Love this film - reminds me of my boy and getting him to sleep as a baby, Jolson always worked, and I also remember what the Senate on Un American activities did to Larry Parkes.
I was 10 or 11 years old when 'The Jolson Story was released here in UK in 1946, maybe 1947...I was a young travelling showman, and for the following 2 years, every fairground played Jolson records........
I, as many others, was smitten by that 'special voice'....
'Jolson sings again ' came into a West End Cinema about 18 months after 'The Jolson Story' , and my mother took me to see the very first showing of it....
Now, seeing both movies all these years later, I realise how wonderful Larry Parkes' performances were.
Parkes was nominated for best actor award for 'The Jolson Story'......He should have got the Oscar, but it went to
Frederic March, for 'The best years of our lives'.
Throughout the filming of 'The Jolson story, Parkes and 'Joly' would stand before two large mirrors,
and Parkeston would practice 'Joly's actions....
Now I must say this....I have seen old footage of Jolson, and, in my opinion, Parkes' actions in the songs
were better than the real Job son's.......
I saw the Jolson Story 4 times and enjoyed each viewing. The first time was in LA, CA four months after it's release.
In my opinion he was one of the top entertainer's to ever be on stage.
His voice did improve, as shown in the movie, in his later years on stage.
My Mom and I spent hours of enjoyment listening to his records. I have only heard one voice that sounds like Al Jolson and that belonged to Al Jolson...
With just one lung, Jolson sang the best Rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening" ever sung.
And when Israel was born, his rendition of HaTikvah, loyal to Naftali Hertz Ember's original words was downright breathtaking.
Facts ? Facts like he was married 4 times ? Facts like Ruby divorced him on grounds of mental cruelty? Facts like he could never have his own children? In every life , even ours, when you talk about it do you reveal all the facts? Truth ? The Facts are that this man was a true superstar. A genius way ahead of his time . An inspiration. To so many people including me ;) thanks for posting this . Dave
No matter what his personal life was, it never took away from his talent & charisma.
If you couldn’t see him and just heard his voice, (radio) you knew who he was.
Precisely!
This guy is just gorgeous, like most performers of this era just timeless classics like this are evergreen. ❤❤❤❤
I loved both Jolson movies and thought Larry Parks was wonderful. I adored both Larry and his wife, Betty Garrett. Especially after reading her book. They were a wonderful couple.
What is her book called I wonder if I could find a second hand copy.
Katie, was it called. Star of stage and screen.
AL JOLSON WAS THE GREATEST, I GOT MY FIRST RECORD 50 YEARS AGO, AND STILL LOVE IT TODAY.
Brian Morgan Hey Brian, you put some years on with that tidbit. Wow, 50 years ago. I was 21. I'm an old fart myself. I recall quite well my dad and mom and uncles talking about Jolson in glowing terms. My grandpa even saw Enrico Caruso sing in Chicago in the early 20's.
@@joelweisberg I must be the ‘oldest’ (haha) one between the two of you, I’m 21 right now! I’m glad to say there’s those of us in this generation who appreciate the classics same as you all did.
@@1legomaster I'm 19, but I love a lot of this classic stuff.
You tube you are the best of the best ....thank you for all the people of the team... We enjoy a lot whith this , a real gift.
Jolson and Larry Parks were fine actors and entertainers.
Isn't that cool how Larry Parks got to meet himself in this movie?
This is the greatest film I've ever seen! The voices are soft and easy to listen to and the movie dosen't try to force entertainment onto you it has great music and an amazing plot it should've been more heard of
HE WAS THE GREATEST ENTERTAINER OF HIS TIME. NOT THE NICEST GUY BUT GREAT AT SINGING AND ENTERTAINING. DIED VERY YOUNG AFTER ENTERTAINING OUR TROOPS OVERSEAS. STILL LIKE HIS MUSIC
What do you mean “ not the nicest guy “ did you know or meet him ?
I wouldn’t say that sixty-five years old is very young.
Larry Parks WAS SENSATIONAL !!!!
ONE OF THE BEST PERFORMANCES
IN A MOTION PICTURE TWICE.
IN THE HISTORY OF FILMS.
AL JOLSON TRUELY WAS THE
" WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINER" .!!
AL JOLSON WAS SUPERB !!
THIS PICTURE AND THE ONE BEFORE IT
JOLSON STORY 1946
WERE SENSATIONAL PICTURES.
THE CAST AND THE STORY AND THE MUSIC
IN BOTH PICTURES..
JOLSON STORY 1946
AND " JOLSON SINGS AGAIN " 1949
JUST WONDERFUL..
A+ ALL THE WAY AROUND..
Jeff Lipinski , I agree. .My childwood was more happy becouse Al Jolson and Larry Parks. and I´m happy too to met you Thanks Jeff and the best to you.
Thank you for your kind words.
I have both Al Jolson movies on DVD..
I never get tired of watching them
I have 20 Al Jolson karaoke tracks
I love to sing them in karaoke always..
The story and the music
JUST SUPERB !!!
A + ALL THE WAY AROUND.
THANKS AGAIN !!
AND THE BEST TO YOU ALSO
ALWAYS !!
I adore Larry Parks, who was introduced to me during his performance as the immortal Al Jolson. Sadly missed, both of them.
JOLSON LEGEND #1
While most know of the above shot of Jolson playing Jolson singing Swanee on the runway, there is another shot often thought to be Jolson himself in The Jolson Story. Just a few minutes into the picture, Scotty Beckett, playing the young Al Jolson, starts to lip synch to the uncredited Rudy Wissler, singing "Banks of the Wabash," when Steve Martin, played by William Demarest, yells "Give that boy a spotlight." As Scotty stands up, there's a figure, standing to the right of the screen, with a white shirt and vending tray, whose appearance suggests Jolson's in the opening scene of Rose of Washington Square, and is thought by many to be Jolie, himself. A close examination of recent prints of the film shows that this is not Al Jolson at all.
This Technicolor masterpiece tells the fictionalized story of Al Jolson, the man who truly was the World's Greatest Entertainer. Tracing his career from his boyhood in Washington, D.C., singing with his father in synagogue, with his boyhood voice provided by the talented then-young singer, the late Rudy Wissler, through his minstrel days, to becoming a headliner on Broadway, this film won the Academy Awards for Musical Scoring for Morris Stoloff, as well as an Oscar for Sound Recording for John Livadary, the movie also was nominated for Best Actor for Larry Parks' portrayal of Al Jolson. It premiered at New York City's Radio City Music Hall on October 10, 1946, 19 years and four days after The Jazz Singer took the world by storm as the first talking picture. Featuring 25 songs by Jolson, including "My Mammy," "You Made Me Love You," and "Ma Blushin' Rosie," Jolson himself appears in a long runway shot, singing Gershwin's immortal "Swanee." While playing a bit loose with the facts of Jolson's life, this film is a must see for anyone who wants to get a flavor of this show business legend.
www.jolson.org/
Jolson still turns a heart and a tear...............My opinion says Al was the 'Babe Ruth' of entertainment.........Today's generation doesn't realize the total overall greatness of The Babe.............just so was Jolie in his own class.........this is more than memory recall.
Jolson was really called the "Minstrel of Broadway".
What a beautiful voice the cantor has!
Great film & naturally, great singing by Jolson himself. The shame is that Jolson went to perform for the troops in Korea & contracted a serious bronchial infection, but he went on performing anyway. About four weeks after he came back to the States, he died in 1950.
Four days.
Doctors have told Jolson " NO MORE KOREAS " but Jolson always had that strong determination in him, unlike his brother Harry; was in vaudeville too, but he's only known as Jolson's older brother.
I've never seen this, love these movies, thank you for the upload. The storyline, acting and dialogue, Sure don't make them like this anymore. Classic treasures! to watch over and over.
great movie great star will watch again ,thanks .
WOW JUST WOW!!!
FANTASTIC!!!
WHAT A SINGER, WHAT A SHOWMAN!!!
Love the movie and the songs. The acting was good also.
GREAT SONGS VOICE WONDERFULL MOVIE. PART 1 AND 2 .
Love Jolsons voice bloody brilliant!
There has been a few talented singers, artists & entertainers throughout time...Jolson is the uppermost of all.
love this movie, so funny tho to think in the scenes when he sings at the army bases in the context of the scene he's singing to a piano and still doing all the actions and dance moves to the orchestra lol at least until the end when theres actually other instruments lol
HI GUYS!! I LOVE BOTH MOVIES ABOUT AL JOLSON. I FOUND THE ORIGINAL JOLSON STORY DONE BY JOLSON HIMSELF. POWERFUL VOICE AND LOVE THEIR ENDING TOO. CRYED FOR ALL THE MOVIES. I'M SENTIMENTAL THAT WAY. SONNY BOY IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES, I SING TO MY SON. THANK YOU FOR POSTING THIS MY HEART IS FULLER NOW. PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY ❤️ 🙏
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER AL JOLSON !!!
AND THAT IS NO CLICHE
IN THIS CASE FOLKS.!!!
AL HAD A SPECIAL DISTINCT SUPERB VOICE
THAT NO ONE HAS EVEN COME CLOSE TO..
EVEN ARTISTS WHO SANG HIS SONGS
THEIR VOICE
NOT EVEN CLOSE..
AND AL'S TALENT HAD NO BOUNDS !!!!
NONE WHAT SO EVER !!!!
HE WAS SENSATIONAL !!!
check out Clive Baldwin
This was a wonderful movie :) Thanks for posting this !
Great film and cast. Almost as good as The Jolson Story. Great success for Colombia.
I read once there was a theater in the 1940s that would give you a small badge if you had proof that you saw the Jolson Story TEN times. I saw this movie thru the 1960s and 70s and I should have 20 badges by now.
Black face or not he was a gifted individual. I'm betting he loved ever body equally R.I.P Al Jolson...
I would never have enough. I could see the 2 films almost twice a week.
I love Jolson and how sad about parks he was excellent god bles Al Jolson and Larry parks
More trivia facts for fans of The Jolson Story:
1. Virginia Rees dubbed the singing voice of Evelyn Keyes, cantor Saul Silverman did the same for Ludwig Donath and Rudy Wissler dubbed Scotty Beckett.
2. William Demarest, who plays a character named Steve Martin, plays a similar role, also named Steve Martin, with the real Al Jolson in Warner's The Jazz Singer nineteen years earlier.
3. Lew Dockstader and Oscar Hammerstein did not discover Al Jolson. By the time Dockstader signed Jolson in 1908, Jolson had been performing in vaudeville with his brother Harry for several years.
4. In addition to the fee he received for selling the rights to his life story, Al Jolson also was paid $25,000 for recording the songs for the film.
5.When shooting the musical numbers, Larry Parks didn't merely mouth the words to Al Jolson's pre-recorded vocals, as was customary. Instead, he sang along to Jolson's records in full voice so it would look like he was actually singing.
6. In the movie, When Jolson attends the premiere of The Jazz Singer (1927) we hear the soundtrack, but Warner Bros., which owned the rights to The Jazz Singer (1927), would not permit a visual clip to be shown in this film, which was made by Columbia.
7.The film's accuracy was severely compromised by the fact that Al Jolson's third wife, Ruby Keeler, refused to allow her name to appear on screen.
8. James Cagney turned down the lead role in The Jolson Story (1946), which went to Larry Parks.
9. In the long shot of Jolson performing 'Swanee' on the "runway", 56:54, Al Jolson played himself, his only appearance in the film.
10. Scotty Beckett was used instead of Rudy Wissler because of his strong resemblance to Larry Parks.
Thanks for all those informations! Love them!
Brazil, São Paulo
I'd like to watch again "THE JOLSON STORY", 1946, with leggends in portuguese.
I have only ever listened to his music...never seen him act!!! I featured his music in my first restaurant....we did well !!!
My eldest brother was 10 years older than me, he was a huge Al Jolson fan, so i grew up listening to all his records. I was probably about 12 when I first saw The Jolson Story, immediately followed by Jolson Sings Again, and I thought I was seeing Al Jolson! A wonderful combination of good looks and a fabulous voice.
sure do miss movies like this
Parks was all right but the films would have been nothing with Jolson himself doing to vocals & even appeared (in blackface) as himself in a scene ... truly the world's greatest entertainer ...
I first saw The Jolson Story about 30 years ago and bought both films on video within about a week of seeing it. I know it's not an accurate account of Mr. Jolson's life but I thought the film was captivating as by then it was already an old film and I was amazed that even all those years ago they could do such wonders in film. Mr Parks could have been singing those songs himself. I still have the videos but they're sadly buried in a box in the garage after several house moves. Seeing this today has brought back some wonderful memories not to mention the joy of hearing that unique voice again. Thank you so much.
+ciaphas100
Well you should go HUNTING out in your garage and find your movies...I LOVE THEM TOO.....I saw them in the 50's first time. SOme of the BEST entertainment. The boy in the movie is actually LIP SINCING......a non-actor young lad is the one actually singing all of these songs that the boy does. He is still living today...I think both of them are...I did alot of search and found them and read up on both of them.
WHAT a beautiful voice for some wonderful melody songs....just love them
I have a large collection of AL JOLSON CLUSTER ALBUMS....several 78rpm old thick records in each ALBUM....all originals that Al Jolson sung....Collectively I have alot of actual RECORDS most all 78's. In these book like albums.
GOOD LUCK with your find.
Ken from Orlando, FL.
+JacobsOompa Hahaha. it'll take me a week to fight my way into the middle of my garage!!!!! Still, it would be a battle worth fighting to dig them out again. I'll have to see if one of my kids will come and give their poor old mum a hand. I'll let you know if I succeed :-)
+ciaphas100 Yep I am sure it will be WORTH IT....but, wow sounds like you'd have to send in a "search Party" to find them.....sounds like my craft room LOL......we all have some place in our homes like that LOL....I admit it too LOL....almost have to leave bread crumbs in a path to find your way back OUT LOL...
Good Luck to ya tho....
Ken
+JacobsOompa Ha!!! I've got a craft room, too. It's nearly as bad as the garage :-D
+ciaphas100 HA!!! too!!!.....ORganization is not always what it's cracked up to be LOL....atleast that's what I say when I've made the mess LOL......I know where everything is if it's a mess LOL....I'm not that bad...but sometimes......it is good to just SHUT THE LIGHT OFF and CLOSE THE DOOR LOL
Ken
Both Jolson movies are 'Feel Good' movies of a particularly high standard...
Thanks so much for posting this. Wonderful follow up to The Jolson Story. Barbara Hale before her Della Street days as Ellen Clark, portraying Al's last wife Erle Gailbraith, who was even more attractive than Barbara.
Remakes are always a dicey proposition. So after seeing Park's masterpiece, I had a dim view of this idea... but I was dead wrong. While it lacked the greatness of the initial film, this one was imminently watchable, all due to the marvelous cast and great writing, especially how they used Larry Parks to play Jolson, all over again. This wonderful picture was made the year I was born, and what a great birthday gift it was. Thanks for posting.
What a great movie!!! Have heard of it before but never watched it! Thank you for sharing/showing it to us through utube
HE WAS BRILLIANT AND THANK YOU SHARING THIS WITH EVERYONE
George Burns used to say that Jolson was the best all-around entertainer. He was a good dancer, not the best like Astaire or Kelly, but good. He was a very good singer, maybe not quite the best of his day, but very good. And he was a good comedian, again not the best but quite good. He was the broadest show business talent to come along in the last 100 years. I wish we could know more about how he practiced and studied. I've heard he used to go to shows in his spare time and write down jokes and dance moves and then practice them. Bogart used to do that also (not dance moves, but little acting tricks and techniques). Even current (recent) singers such Rod Stewart and David Lee Roth credit Jolson with inspiring their work (Stewart recorded a great collection of classic old 'American Songbook' tunes a few years ago -- he even sang the songs' introductions, which you seldom here today).
There is VERY LITTLE spoken by that generation of entertainers that is reliable or accurate. And most of the things they are credited with saying were never said at all.
Well, I heard George Burns make that very statement on Johnny Carson's The Tonight Show (1989). It's actually on CZcams. @@LazlosPlane
What a tragedy that Larry Parks, who had long since repudiated any affiliation with the Communist Party, had his career destroyed by the Hollywood Blacklist after the release of this film. Elia Kazan, the Oscar winning director of Streetcar Named Desire and On The Waterfront, had the same brief connection to the Party, became disenchanted like Parks, was called before the House Committee, named names, and continued with his successful directing activities. Parks was destroyed and died at sixty.
Try not to lose sleep over it.
Parks and his wife (also a well known actress) did quite well in real estate. His career may have been shut down, but he still had success in life. Just look at his Wikipedia as well as the Wiki of his wife.
James Cagney gave them money every month, it should have ruined his career but nobody knew until after his death.
One great film and movie icon Larry parks
Have always had a curiosity about this so called black list. Thank you for an explanation how horrific for those falsely accused that ruined that life that reputation.
Jolson's voice was so unique! 😮 😊 Larry Parks did a great job! He is very handsome too.❤😊
Ism 91 I love Al Jolson and his songs
brings back memories of a bygone day i was still teenager when went see that film
I’m 81 years I saw this movie 🎥 it was a great back in my days 👍
Al Jolson was married 4 times. The movie portrays the last 2 as happy when in reality they were far from it. Also his mother died when he was 4.
The worlds greatest entertainer.....
JEFF LIPINSKI YOU ARE TOTTALLY RIGHT. LARRY PARKS WAS AN AWSOM ACTOR. HIS PERFOMANCE DESERVE THE OSCAR TWICE.
He and his wife were victims of "McCarthyism" & the "Red Scare" during the 1950's. The government had them both blacklisted from Hollywood, for "un-American activities". (commies) He appeared in only 4 more movies after this. Fortunately his wife (Betty Garrett) made somewhat of a comeback in the early 1970's, landing a supporting role on the insanely popular TV series, "All in the Family", (as "Irene Lorenzo") & then on "Lavern & Shirley". (as Edna Babish De Fazio)
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The two most neglected great films in film history. And we all know why.
LazlosPlane one reason we all know. And the other is because no one could touch Jolson, not yesterday, and certainly not today.
Why?
@@lewisc215 Jolson worked in blackface on Broadway.
@@LazlosPlane The films were hits way back when. The black face would certainly be offensive today, but then it was considered part of a show business tradition.
No one today believes Jolson racist in any way,
@@lewisc215 YOu repeat the obvious. WE KNOW they were very very popular films. The point is that they are grossly under-appreciated TODAY. That,in spite of blackface.
Had nothing to do, 4:31 AM, just finished watching this, quite amazing.
You know what would be a great idea, for someone to show the Jolson story and jolson sings again on the big screen.
Just like the old day's and all the money went to charity.
How can a guy be flown clear across the world, spend two days in the hospital and be TOTALLY clean shaven! "Oh Mammy! A miracle!
When I trained as a nurse from 1962-1965 they were still training nurses how to shave an unconscious man. It would have been just part of the job back then.
i wonder what al jolsons family thought of this movie. his mother died when he was 10.