The read
Critics rate it 28 points higher than audiences do. Scores higher than 75% of the 420 1940s drama movies in this catalog.
Synopsis
At the turn of the 20th century, young Asa Yoelson decides to go against the wishes of his cantor father and pursue a career in show business. Gradually working his way up through the vaudeville ranks, Asa — now calling himself Al Jolson — joins a blackface minstrel troupe and soon builds a reputation as a consummate performer. But as his career grows in size, so does his ego, resulting in battles in business as well as in his personal life.
Ratings
IMDb7.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes100%
Critics rate it 28 points higher than audiences do.
18 audience votes
Key crew
- Alfred E. GreenDirector
- Stephen LongstreetScreenplay
- Morris StoloffOriginal Music Composer
Cast
- Larry ParksAl Jolson
- Evelyn KeyesJulie Benson
- William DemarestSteve Martin
- Bill GoodwinTom Baron
- Ludwig DonathCantor Yoelson
- Scotty BeckettAsa Yoelson
- Tamara ShayneMrs. Yoelson
- Jo-Carroll DennisonAnn Murray
- John AlexanderLew Dockstader
- Ernest CossartFather McGee
- Lilian BondWoman (uncredited)
- Frank BakerAudience Member (uncredited)
Movies like The Jolson Story
Shows like The Jolson Story
Themes
musicalbiography