Jolson Sings Again (1949)

Fantastic!

This is a must-see and one of the best documentaries - and films - of this year.

Ok... Let's be honest. It cannot be the best movie but is quite enjoyable. The movie has the potential to develop a great plot for future movies

All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

An oddly curious movie. "Jolson Sings Again" is the sequel to "The Jolson Story" (which I have not seen). Both of which star Larry Parks as Jolson) It doesn't matter if you've not seen the first, as the first part of Jolson's life is briefly touched upon, where this movie mainly concentrates on, yes, his later life. Here, he wonders how much his star has faded, and an old agent encourages him to go on USO tours around the world. Unfortunately, it's a bit too much for Al. and he winds up in the hospital. Fortunately for him, he meets a beautiful nurse and marries her. All the while, he wonders what's next for him, as some people in Hollywood have kicked him to the curb. Fortunately, a lucky booking at a benefit re-connects him to the guy who booked the USO tour, he's now a film producer, and he wants to produce... The Al Jolson Story! and here's the guy to play you.... Larry Parks! So yes, we get the ultra- amazing side screen effect of Larry Parks-As-Jolson meeting Younger- Larry-Parks! (Yes, Parks plays Parks). I don't think I've ever seen this technique used before in a biography. It's very startling. Anyways, Jolson gets a second life after the movie with a radio show, and that's when the show ends. There were little teasers towards the end that led me to beloeve they were setting up for a third one, but obviously that didn't happen. I dunno, you may have to REALLY love Jolson to like this (I myself, run hot and cold on him) and it's somewhat super glossy, but entertaining nevertheless.

Can a sequel be as good as the original? Those who say no, think of "Godfather II." Of course "The Jolson Story" takes us from the time of his blossoming adolescence to the end of marriage number one, with Ruby Keeler played by Evelyn Keyes. This sequel is totally absorbing because it's rapid fire pace, great music, great acting and warmth combined with the fascinating story of how "The Jolson Story" came to be.By the time of Pearl Harbor, Jolie's career had taken a nose dive.That is until he got off his rump and hesitatingly decided to TRY to entertain the boys overseas. Incidentally, Al was one of the first celebs to do it but of course will always be overshadowed by Bob Hope and his troupe.While in the Aleutians, Al meets Officer Ralph Bryant played by Myron McCormick.Bryant was in the cinema profession before joining up and after the war ends, is the one who talks to a depressed Al, sent home twice for illness,about an idea. To take Al into a recording studio to knock out technologically enhanced versions of his great tunes which will be lipsynched by a young actor named Larry Parks. Al begrudgingly decides to opt for it and that's where "liftoff" takes place.Al is on a rocket ride which opens his career all over again. From the time of "Jolson Story" to Oct.1950 marking his death, he had his own radio program, "Kraft Music Hall" plus a zillion guests spots up and down that radio dial.The picture is phenomenal as a sequel which I found as entertaining as the original. By the way, it also was nominated for Oscars as was the original. It is a KNOCKOUT film and I highly recommend either renting it or waiting for it on TCM.

Continuing where 'The Jolson Story' left off, this sequel explores a less exciting part of Al Jolson's life, however it is saved from dullness by a great gimmick in the final 25 minutes: depicting the making of 'The Jolson Story', which includes Jolson meeting Larry Parks. It is certainly inferior to the first film, but yet still entertaining whenever Parks performs one of Jolson's tunes…the songs are still great. Although he does not look or sound old enough, Parks still gives it his best too. The film definitely resurrects good memories of the original, without a strong yearning to see something better, which is a good thing. The characters, the acting, the originality, in fact, just about everything was better in 'The Jolson Story', however, even if not quite as involving or as well made, this still passes the test for an adequately amusing piece.

As a rule, sequels don't usually measure up to the original. Of course there are exceptions and this is one of them. Once again, Larry Parks does an amazing job of mouthing the words to Jolson's singing voice and sings a number of great standards. This time the plot focuses on Jolson's disillusionment with show business after his wife leaves him. Prompted by his agent (William Demarest), he agrees to be an entertainer during World War II and on one of his tours he meets a pretty nurse (Barbara Hale) whom he marries. High quality script has Jolson coming to Hollywood for a bio on his life and meeting Larry Parks (courtesy of trick photography). Song-filled gem is a worthy sequel and proved it by winning three Oscar nominations for writing, cinematography and musical scoring. Hale looks great and her pleasant personality adds sparkle to the film, while Parks is once again quite convincing in his colorful role.