by '35, the public was getting weary of the *movie* Jolson..but strangely, he gave 'em one more...and one of his best. his acting improved greatly, which in itself is a reason to watch this over and over again, esp. if you are a fan.
he finally united with his wife Ruby Keeler, at the time, somewhat more popular than Al, as she made one successful film after the other. if they were less than "united" at home, it does not seem likely watching them on screen. the fireworks are all around, and whatever real affection they had, perhaps needed this medium to bring it out. they do a monster production number on A QUARTER TO NINE and the biggest naysayers will crack a smile.
another wonderful song, done in the "old" style is MAMMY, I"LL SING ABOUT YOU. would have been great for his '27 film debut and 8 years later it still works. Jolie drops to his knee and outstretches his arms on the ending, and it's magic.
a reality check, though, shows us that this kind of vehicle was on its' way out and for good reason: the "blackface" theatrics were not at all escusable on any level. the minstrel world was nearly over, as African Americans were slowly getting into position to get the spotlight they were systematically denied, before. (not that all Black singers had to reflect the old South).
he finally united with his wife Ruby Keeler, at the time, somewhat more popular than Al, as she made one successful film after the other. if they were less than "united" at home, it does not seem likely watching them on screen. the fireworks are all around, and whatever real affection they had, perhaps needed this medium to bring it out. they do a monster production number on A QUARTER TO NINE and the biggest naysayers will crack a smile.
another wonderful song, done in the "old" style is MAMMY, I"LL SING ABOUT YOU. would have been great for his '27 film debut and 8 years later it still works. Jolie drops to his knee and outstretches his arms on the ending, and it's magic.
a reality check, though, shows us that this kind of vehicle was on its' way out and for good reason: the "blackface" theatrics were not at all escusable on any level. the minstrel world was nearly over, as African Americans were slowly getting into position to get the spotlight they were systematically denied, before. (not that all Black singers had to reflect the old South).