The Jolson Story always ran in New York City in the 1960's. Just caught it on TCM several days ago; hadn't seen it in many, many years. I've often wondered who besides Larry Parks (and an aging Al) could have played Jolson? Parks had the arrogance down pat I guess. (and according to everything I've read about Jolson, arrogance was his defining characteristic) Can anyone throw out a few suggestions??
shareFrom memory, Al Jolson favored Al Jolson to play Al Jolson; but when he was told that was not going to happen, the only other actor who he thought could possibly do the job was James Cagney.
It would have made for a very different "The Jolson Story," but it would have been worth watching.
I think Larry Parks was also selected for the role of Al Jolson because he somewhat resembled a younger Jolson. However, I can't imagine any other actor playing the part of Al Jolson that Larry Parks, he is perfect.
-- If Ewan McGregor were a lollipop I'd be a diabetic strumpet --
Parks turned out to be great. Another relative newcomer of the time (who actually looked a little like Parks and who played 1 year later as the star of another musical bio) was Mark Stevens. I can picture him as Jolson and doing it well.
Stevens played Joe Howard in 1947 in "I Wonder Who's Kissing Her Now."
Jolson wanted Cagney.