Al Jolson: Larry Parks
Julie Benson: Evelyn Keys
Steve Martin: William Demarest
Tom Baron: Bill Goodwin
Cantor Yoelson: Ludwig Donath
Mama Yoelson: Tamara Shayne
Al Jolson as a boy: Scotty Beckett
If Casablanca was the number one romantic experience then The Jolson Story was easily the most popular musical: especially in Australia where it grossed 5 times more the Best Years of Our Lives and Duel in the Sun together! The film was never taken out of circulation until TV killed off the cinema circuits and formally re-issued twice with much publicity and corresponding box-office activity,
Jolson himself became the top crooner on radio fro many years to come and his records out sold Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
Fortunately, despite its corn plot the film is a musical treasure of pleasure. Directed by Alfred E Green who put across the musical numbers with surprising zest and sheer gusto.
Evelyn Keys in the Rudy Keeler part gives a solid performance, as does Larry Parks adding a welcome bravado to the Jolson persona. (Al Jolson makes a little known appearance as himself for the “Swanee” number, which was filmed by the 2nd unit under director Joseph H Lewis)
Aside from its patronising attitude to Cantor Jolson and some dreary domestic wasteland with Miss Keys the plot is entertaining enough with its lavish production numbers.
Beautifully photographed with excellent sound recording The Jolson Story is one musical masterpiece that did not come out of the MGM Studio...
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