1946's The Jolson Story (in all of its lush, Technicolor glory) may not have been an accurate depiction of entertainer Al Jolson's life, per se, but, in the long run, it was still quite an engaging production (in a kitsch sort of way).
Corny, nostalgic and very sentimental, The Jolson Story is a film that is certainly true to form when it comes to the likes of being your typical 1940's Bio-picture.
With its $3 million budget (which was obviously well-spent on its numerous, lavishly-staged musical numbers, and such), I give a lot of credit to actor Larry Parks who played Jolson (as an adult) in the story. Parks' exuberant and likable portrayal, along with his seamless lip-syncing of Jolson's songs, were, to me, what clearly helped carry The Jolson Story successfully along to its unbelievable "happy ending" nonsense.
*Note* - Back in his heyday, Al Jolson was dubbed "The World's Greatest Entertainer". At the peak of his career he was America's most famous and highest-paid entertainers, bar none.
In 1950, at the age of 64, Al Jolson died from a massive heart attack.
Corny, nostalgic and very sentimental, The Jolson Story is a film that is certainly true to form when it comes to the likes of being your typical 1940's Bio-picture.
With its $3 million budget (which was obviously well-spent on its numerous, lavishly-staged musical numbers, and such), I give a lot of credit to actor Larry Parks who played Jolson (as an adult) in the story. Parks' exuberant and likable portrayal, along with his seamless lip-syncing of Jolson's songs, were, to me, what clearly helped carry The Jolson Story successfully along to its unbelievable "happy ending" nonsense.
*Note* - Back in his heyday, Al Jolson was dubbed "The World's Greatest Entertainer". At the peak of his career he was America's most famous and highest-paid entertainers, bar none.
In 1950, at the age of 64, Al Jolson died from a massive heart attack.