1. overly generous attitude of his parents toward his moving away from the synagogue towards the stage, how accurate is that really being that the movie portrays the cantor as a very traditional jew.
2. jolson himself makes an appearance on the film somewhere, anyone know where?
Actually, Jolson's parents were even more conservative than the film portrayed. Jolson's father apparently was much more unhappy about his move to the stage than the father in the film.
Jolson can be seen in (I think) "Swanee". Whatever number it is that's done entirely in long shot with him going down the runway, that's the one with Jolson. You can tell quite-- he's a bit more heavy set than Larry Parks and the movements are pure Jolson.
-J. Theakston
The Silent Photoplayer
http://www.thephotoplayer.com/
Thanks.
In what book or movie can I get an accurate portrayal of Jolson's parents real attitude toward his work.
I identify alot with Jolson being that I come from a very religious Jewish home.
Ironically, the film that made him a movie star, THE JAZZ SINGER, is quite autobiographical in that respect. You might want to check that out.
-J. Theakston
The Silent Photoplayer
http://www.thephotoplayer.com/
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The book that is an accurate portrayal of Jolson and his parents, brother, wives, etc. is: Jolson: The Story of Al Jolson by Michael Freedland. It also tells about him being one of the first to entertain the troops in World War II and just about the only one in the Korean War. It is an excellent, in-depth book. Is anyone entertaining the troops in Iraq? Jolson would be there.
share"Is anyone entertaining the troops in Iraq? Jolson would be there."
What a great comment! Yes, Jolson WOULD be there.
Please, please, please do NOT waste your time with M. Freedland's book. It is trash. It is filled with inaccuracies and stuff the guy just plain MADE UP!
For an accurate, intelligent, thoroughly researched, well-written biography of Al Jolson there is only one book (sadly) and that is Herbert G. Goldman's
Jolson: The Legend Comes to Life.
I spent ten years researching Jolson's life and career. Trust me on this.
Michael Freeedland's book was also very boring to read, it didn't offer any real insight into the man.
I haven't read Goldman's bio, but hope to soon. Herbert G. Goldman also wrote one on Eddie Cantor (another unjustly underrated entertainer).
The Herb Goldman book is THE book on Al Jolson.
shareIt is thought that Jolson appears in the beginning of the movie, as the vendor standing at the back of the balcony in the white shirt, when Scotty Beckett stands to sing, but has not bee confirmed.
Of course Jolson does appears in the blurry runway scene.
It's a blurry scene but it is a unique opportunity to see Jolson as he was live in person.
shareThe suggestion that Jolson is the vendor standing at the back of the balcony has been debated for years. I have seen this scene blown up until the person in the background is in closeup. It's not Al Jolson!
The only scene he appears in is when he is performing Swanee
Al Jolson also appears in "Jolson Sings Again". In the scene where they are filming 'You Made Me Love You' for "The Jolson Story" The real Al is stood behind the Larry Parks Al. The real Al is wearing a grey hat.
I'll trade with anyone who has a jaccuzzi!!!!