Al Jolson Home Page|His Works|Radio|12 Feb 48 Kraft Music Hall


Al Jolson's experience with radio began in the dawn of the medium, and continued until the birth of television, and his death. He started the Kraft Music Hall, along with programs for Lifebuoy Soap, Colgate Tooth Powder, and Chevrolet, and died while waiting to go on to Bing Crosby's Chesterfield program. Here is another full length radio program for your enjoyment.

Charles Laughton and Al Jolson
Charles Laughton and Al Jolson

Actor Charles Laughton joined Al Jolson in this week's Kraft Music Hall, originally broadcast on Thursday, February 12, 1948.

Al opened with a tribute to St. Valentine's Day, "For Me And My Gal." A few comments about Jolson winning the Photoplay Award for The Jolson Story follows, with Levant lofting a few puns to the topic. Oscar Levant's selection this week was uncredited. Can anybody help us out with these pieces?

After a commercial, Jolson and Levant play with some of Oscar's favorites, and after some bantering, play around with "Pretty Baby." Quenching his thirst with the "Water Boy," Al and Oscar then declare "The One I Love Belongs To Someone Else." Then they endured a bit of "Stormy Weather," then a complete orchestral version of "Keep Smiling At Trouble."

Joined by Charles Laughton, the decision is made that Jolson's acting could use some improvement. Looking at some of Jolson's works, they entered into acting lessions for Jolson. Shakespeare is still rolling over in his grave.

Al Jolson concluded the program with a beautiful performance of the great Gus Kahn number "Memories."



Listen to this radio program and watch a Video Podcast with an excerpt of the show illustrated with photos of the stars.

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this week's program

    
     This is an excerpt of the 12 Feb 1948 broadcast of the Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson. While Charles Laughton was the guest on this week's show, you will have to listen to the full show on the page to hear his segment; this excerpt includes Al Jolson's opening and closing numbers from the show, along with a little dialog with announcer, Ken Carpenter, from the middle portion of the program, and includes Al Jolson and Oscar Levant singing "Pretty Baby," "Water Boy," "The One I Love Belongs To Somebody Else," and "Keep Smiling At Trouble." A strange version of "Sabre Dance" rounds out this edition of the Al Jolson Podcast. As always, photos of Al and Oscar complete the experience.


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This listing and material Copyright © 1995-2024 Marc I. Leavey, M.D. Baltimore, Maryland
Updated 11 Feb 24