The Jolson Story

6/5/2025

I can’t say I knew much about Al Jolson aside from his “Mammy”, and I’m not sure I really know that much more now. Larry Parks does, however, deliver quite engagingly as the young Jewish lad who was spotted by “Steve” (William Demarest) and in spite of strong objection from his father (Ludwig Donath) takes to the boards. He is a talented lad, no doubt about that, and so is quickly offered bigger and better parts that challenge his loyalties and priorities whilst offering him all the trappings of stardom. When he encounters aspiring Ziegfeld gal “Julie” (Evelyn Keyes), she brings an whole new dimension to their lives as she hopes to enjoy success in a slightly different fashion that will mean retirement to a new house in the country. The question for Jolson, though, is whether he can be sat