The Jolson Story
US (1946): Musical/Biography
One of the top musical bios of all time is about a performer who was at a historical crossroads of movie and entertainment history. Larry Parks gives a dynamic performance (and Jolson himself dubbed the songs) as the cantor's son who rose from a humble background to become first a vaudeville performer and then a world-famous Broadway and film star. Parks became an overnight success and followed with the sequel, Jolson Sings Again (1949). Parks' career came to an abrupt end when he admitted membership in the Communist Party to the House Committe on Un-American Activities.
Songs include "April Showers," "By the Light of the Silvery Moon," "Rock-A-Bye Your Baby with a Dixie Melody," "My Mammy," "Swanee," and many more nostalgic favorites. Al Jolson's real-life ex-wife, actress Ruby Keeler, would not allow her name to be used for the production of the film; for the film, Jolson's beloved (played by Evelyn Keyes) is known as Julie Benson. Alfred E. Green directs for Columbia. Supporting cast also includes William Demarest, Bill Goodwin, Ludwig Donath and Tamara Shayne. (amctv.com)
6 nominations, 2 Awards
· Music Scoring Awards (Best Scoring of a Musical Picture) 1946: Morris Stoloff
· Best Sound Recording 1946: John P. Livadary
· Actor 1946: Larry Parks
· Supporting Actor 1946: William Demarest
· Cinematography (Color) 1946: Joseph B. Walker
· Film Editing 1946: William A. Lyon