The Jolson Story
| The Jolson Story | |
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1946 Theatrical Poster
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| Directed by | Alfred E. Green |
| Produced by | Sidney Skolsky |
| Written by |
Stephen Longstreet (screenplay) Sidney Buchman (uncredited) Harry Chandlee (adaptation) Andrew Solt (adaptation) |
| Starring |
Larry Parks Evelyn Keyes William Demarest Bill Goodwin |
| Music by | Morris Stoloff |
| Cinematography | Joseph Walker |
| Edited by | William A. Lyon |
| Distributed by | Columbia Pictures |
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Release date
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Running time
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128 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $2 million |
| Box office | $8 million (est. US/ Canada rentals) |
The Jolson Story is a 1946 Technicolor musical biography which purports to tell the life story of singer Al Jolson. It stars Larry Parks as Jolson, Evelyn Keyes as Julie Benson (approximating Jolson's wife, Ruby Keeler), William Demarest as his manager, Ludwig Donath and Tamara Shayne as his parents, and Scotty Beckett as the young Jolson.
The Columbia Pictures production was written by Sidney Buchman (uncredited), Harry Chandlee, Stephen Longstreet and Andrew Solt. The dramatic scenes were directed by Alfred E. Green, with the musical sequences directed by Joseph H. Lewis. A sequel called Jolson Sings Again was released in 1949.
American burlesque performer Steve Martin (William Demarest) offers to play a song for his audience, if they agree to sing along. Only one person does sing, a young boy named Asa Yoelson (Scotty Beckett). Steve is bowled over by the boy's voice, but Asa realizes he should be singing at the synagogue with his father, Cantor Yoelson (Ludwig Donath). Asa arrives late, and is later reprimanded by his strict father. Asa is reluctant to explain where he was, but Steve Martin visits the Yoelsons' home. He explains that he heard Asa sing at the burlesque house, and that he wants Asa to be part of his act. Papa Yoelson refuses to consider it.
Asa is determined to be in the act, and runs away to Baltimore, where he is taken to a home for boys. The kindly superintendent, Father McGee (Ernest Cossart), finds Steve Martin and notifies Asa's parents. When they appear, Asa tells them that he will keep running away until they allow him to go into show business. Asa's mother (Tamara Shayne) believes that it would be better to give Asa what he wants than have him running away all the time.
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