"The Jolson Story" is a very good piece of entertainment, sanatizing its subject and presenting a bevy of tunes that made Al Jolson the world's most beloved star of his era. This film takes the usual liberties with facts, yet manages to whip up an exciting and delightful package of Joslon songs, bio, and period atmosphere.
Alas, Jolson's penchant for blackface in the minstrel show, a convention of its time, is terribly dated now. In fact, it's downright uncomfortable watching these portions. The minstrel show's underlying purpose was to appease consciousnesses of "white patrons" for the exploitation of their "black citizenry," and to make them appear less threatening as they might otherwise have been. This convention lasted many years, and even when it all but faded away, Jolson was its last hold-out. This is all part of American history; it's just something we'd rather like to move away from. Not the sincere inner role diversity of casting, just the stereotypical, degrading elements.
Unfortunately, it is this aspect which now tends to dampen the Jolson spotlight. Actually, I don't think Jolson thought for a moment he was ridiculing anyone; he loved the blues and jazz and other exciting music of New Orleans black Americans. And I do believe he equally loved the people, in fact, all people generically. It was just that minstrel convention that continues to dog Jolson today; hopefully, in years to come all can look upon him in the proper light in which he sang this material.
Statistic bear out that Al Jolson was indeed one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. "The Jolson Story" does a very good job of depicting the rise of this phenomenal talent, with "Jolson Sings Again" completing the story. Larry Parks excels in the lead role in the highpoint of his own career. And the great songs! Wonderful "classics," which are always a joy to hear. A tuneful treat for the whole family.
Alas, Jolson's penchant for blackface in the minstrel show, a convention of its time, is terribly dated now. In fact, it's downright uncomfortable watching these portions. The minstrel show's underlying purpose was to appease consciousnesses of "white patrons" for the exploitation of their "black citizenry," and to make them appear less threatening as they might otherwise have been. This convention lasted many years, and even when it all but faded away, Jolson was its last hold-out. This is all part of American history; it's just something we'd rather like to move away from. Not the sincere inner role diversity of casting, just the stereotypical, degrading elements.
Unfortunately, it is this aspect which now tends to dampen the Jolson spotlight. Actually, I don't think Jolson thought for a moment he was ridiculing anyone; he loved the blues and jazz and other exciting music of New Orleans black Americans. And I do believe he equally loved the people, in fact, all people generically. It was just that minstrel convention that continues to dog Jolson today; hopefully, in years to come all can look upon him in the proper light in which he sang this material.
Statistic bear out that Al Jolson was indeed one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. "The Jolson Story" does a very good job of depicting the rise of this phenomenal talent, with "Jolson Sings Again" completing the story. Larry Parks excels in the lead role in the highpoint of his own career. And the great songs! Wonderful "classics," which are always a joy to hear. A tuneful treat for the whole family.