If you're a fan of Jolson's music, then you ain't heard nothing yet! Songs by Jolson include 'Cielito Lindo', 'Mammy, I'll Sing About You', 'About A Quarter To Nine', 'Casino de Paris', 'She's A Latin From Manhattan' and 'Go Into Your Dance'. 'About A Quarter To Nine' is particularly memorable as it slips seamlessly from a bar to a big stage number, with some complicated (for its time) 'optical' effects. Not only do the stars "twinkle and shine", there is definitely a glint in Al's eyes as he contemplates his date later in the evening.
Other songs include the catchy number 'A Good Old Fashioned Cocktail' performed by Ruby Keeler and 'The Little Things You Used To Do', sung by Helen Morgan. Unfortunately, 'A Good Old Fashioned Cocktail' is slightly interrupted as Al Howard chats up a tall good-looking showgirl during the performance.
The film is of particular interest as Jolson shares the screen with his real-life wife Ruby Keeler. For those who have watched The Jolson Story starring Larry Parks, it might come as a surprise to realise that Ruby Keeler was nothing like 'Julie Benson' who Jolson marries in the 'bio-pic'. Of course, the Jolson Story was a great musical in its own right, but should not be viewed as historically accurate.
Despite the good music, the 'blackface' sequences are not comfortable and now belong to a bygone age. It's interesting to consider that in the history of blackface performance, in the UK the BBC continued to run 'The Black and White Minstrel Show' until 1978. Also distinctly uncomfortable is the sequence with Fred 'Snowflake' Toones (as he was known) playing the ever cheerful but obsequious valet. If you look him up on the IMDb website, you'll be amazed at how many films he was in - almost all uncredited.
In the end, this is a fascinating piece of cinema history with some excellent songs and performances. However, I suspect that it's for the reasons given that this film is not often seen these days.
Other songs include the catchy number 'A Good Old Fashioned Cocktail' performed by Ruby Keeler and 'The Little Things You Used To Do', sung by Helen Morgan. Unfortunately, 'A Good Old Fashioned Cocktail' is slightly interrupted as Al Howard chats up a tall good-looking showgirl during the performance.
The film is of particular interest as Jolson shares the screen with his real-life wife Ruby Keeler. For those who have watched The Jolson Story starring Larry Parks, it might come as a surprise to realise that Ruby Keeler was nothing like 'Julie Benson' who Jolson marries in the 'bio-pic'. Of course, the Jolson Story was a great musical in its own right, but should not be viewed as historically accurate.
Despite the good music, the 'blackface' sequences are not comfortable and now belong to a bygone age. It's interesting to consider that in the history of blackface performance, in the UK the BBC continued to run 'The Black and White Minstrel Show' until 1978. Also distinctly uncomfortable is the sequence with Fred 'Snowflake' Toones (as he was known) playing the ever cheerful but obsequious valet. If you look him up on the IMDb website, you'll be amazed at how many films he was in - almost all uncredited.
In the end, this is a fascinating piece of cinema history with some excellent songs and performances. However, I suspect that it's for the reasons given that this film is not often seen these days.