.
.
THE
JOLSON STORY ($20) is a movie that I rate as pure unadulterated
Hollywood entertainment, although as a screen biography, this film bears
only a passing resemblance to reality. Instead of sticking to the facts of
the life of legendary performer Al Jolson, THE JOLSON STORY is a
showcase for the songs he made famous. Larry Parks received a
much-deserved Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Al Jolson, a
performance in which he recreates Jolson’s mannerisms and performance
style, while perfectly lip-syncing to then newly made recordings of Jolson
performing many of his biggest hits.
The
plot of THE JOLSON STORY follows a young Asa Yoelson (Scotty
Beckett), a Cantor’s son, who is discovered by Vaudeville comedian Steve
Martin (William Demarest). After many years on the road and a name change
to Al Jolson, the eager young singer, joins a popular Minstrel Show and
begins performing in blackface. However, only after Jolson goes his own
way, and becomes a "Jazz Singer" does he find fame and fortune
on the Broadway stage. Of course, when Hollywood makes the transition to
sound, they select Al Jolson, the biggest musical star of the day, to star
in the first talking picture. Along the way, Jolson also meets and falls
in love with Ruby Keeler… er, Julie Benson (Evelyn Keyes), who also
becomes a big movie musical star in the early days of the sound era. The
cast of THE JOLSON STORY also features Bill Goodwin, Ludwig Donath,
Tamara Shayne and John Alexander.
Columbia
TriStar Home Entertainment has made THE JOLSON STORY available on
DVD in a wonderful looking transfer that frames the film in its proper
1.37:1 full screen aspect ratio. The image appears sharp and produces very
good definition. Colors are deeply saturated and give one an excellent
impression of what an original IB Technicolor print of THE JOLSON STORY
might have looked like. Blacks appear velvety, whites are crisp and
contrast is very smooth. The film elements don’t show too many signs of
age, with minor blemishes and a rare Technicolor anomaly being the worst
of them. Occasionally, a grain structure becomes noticeable, but it is
never bothersome. Digital compression artifacts are always well contained.
The Dolby Digital monaural soundtrack is very pleasant and offers better
than expected musical fidelity from the vintage recordings. No other
language tracks are included, but English and Japanese subtitles are
provided. The basic interactive menus allow one access to the standard
scene selection and set up features, as well as bonus trailers for LOST
HORIZON and PAL JOEY.
THE
JOLSON STORY is wonderful old style Hollywood entertainment built
around a songbook of some of Al Jolson’s best-loved songs. If you want
to learn something about the real Al Jolson, you’ll need to do some
reading. However, if you are interested in hearing the music of Al Jolson
and seeing some good performances, then the movie is for you. Recommended
to movie buffs everywhere.
.
The
plot of THE JOLSON STORY follows a young Asa Yoelson (Scotty
Beckett), a Cantor’s son, who is discovered by Vaudeville comedian Steve
Martin (William Demarest). After many years on the road and a name change
to Al Jolson, the eager young singer, joins a popular Minstrel Show and
begins performing in blackface. However, only after Jolson goes his own
way, and becomes a "Jazz Singer" does he find fame and fortune
on the Broadway stage. Of course, when Hollywood makes the transition to
sound, they select Al Jolson, the biggest musical star of the day, to star
in the first talking picture. Along the way, Jolson also meets and falls
in love with Ruby Keeler… er, Julie Benson (Evelyn Keyes), who also
becomes a big movie musical star in the early days of the sound era. The
cast of THE JOLSON STORY also features Bill Goodwin, Ludwig Donath,
Tamara Shayne and John Alexander.
Columbia
TriStar Home Entertainment has made THE JOLSON STORY available on
DVD in a wonderful looking transfer that frames the film in its proper
1.37:1 full screen aspect ratio. The image appears sharp and produces very
good definition. Colors are deeply saturated and give one an excellent
impression of what an original IB Technicolor print of THE JOLSON STORY
might have looked like. Blacks appear velvety, whites are crisp and
contrast is very smooth. The film elements don’t show too many signs of
age, with minor blemishes and a rare Technicolor anomaly being the worst
of them. Occasionally, a grain structure becomes noticeable, but it is
never bothersome. Digital compression artifacts are always well contained.
The Dolby Digital monaural soundtrack is very pleasant and offers better
than expected musical fidelity from the vintage recordings. No other
language tracks are included, but English and Japanese subtitles are
provided. The basic interactive menus allow one access to the standard
scene selection and set up features, as well as bonus trailers for LOST
HORIZON and PAL JOEY.
THE
JOLSON STORY is wonderful old style Hollywood entertainment built
around a songbook of some of Al Jolson’s best-loved songs. If you want
to learn something about the real Al Jolson, you’ll need to do some
reading. However, if you are interested in hearing the music of Al Jolson
and seeing some good performances, then the movie is for you. Recommended
to movie buffs everywhere.