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Al Jolson (Larry Parks) soon tires of being in the chorus,
leaves and heads for Broadway where he becomes a star. Attracted
by Hollywood Al makes The Jazz Singer, which is the most successful
of the early talkies.
Lonely despite his fame, he falls in love with dancer Julie
Benson (Evelyn Keyes).
Jolson Sings Again resumes the story where his wife leaves
and subsequently divorces him. His popularity plummets as
popular music fashion changes to jazz and swing.
In retirement at the start of WW2 Al is persuaded to go on
tour and become one of the first stars to entertain the troops.
A punishing schedule and an attack of malaria put him into
hospital and the arms of Nurse Ellen Clark (Barbara Hale).
Both films move along with wit, pace and above all great
songs.
Larry Parks performs brilliantly in miming Al Jolson's voice.
So well does he become the great man, he earns a nomination
for Academy Award as best actor in Jolson Sings Again.
William Demarest deserves a special mention in the role of
manager and mentor Steve Martin; he is nominated for a supporting
actor Oscar.
There are moments of corn. The songwriters originally conceive
'Sonny Boy' as a joke. Al Jolson sings with such skill it
becomes the first million-seller disc in history.
This DVD is very good value and the picture quality is excellent.
Conclusion: Movie 90% Extras 50%
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