Al Jolson - Films

There can be little doubt of the influence that Al Jolson had on the motion picture industry. From his first appearance in a Vitaphone Short, The Plantation Act, through his starring role in the first "talking picture," The Jazz Singer, until, near the end of his life, he became the first entertainer ever to have two film biographies produced, Al Jolson remained an integral part of motion picture history.

From 1927 through 1939, Al Jolson starred, or had a major role, in eleven classic motion pictures. His co-stars and featured players included Don Ameche, Dick Powell, Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, Frank Morgan, Ruby Keeler, Patsy Kelly, and Cantor Yossele Rosenblatt. Here are brief summaries and stills from each of them.

Premiering on October 6, 1927, The Jazz Singer, was the first commercially successful feature talking picture, and changed movies forever. With this film, audiences around the world were able to see and hear Al Jolson, known even then as the World's Greatest Entertainer. Here is a collection of material designed to commemorate this historic film.

Opening less than a year after the premier of The Jazz Singer, Al Jolson's second film, The Singing Fool was destined to go where no movie had gone before. Take a look at a page devoted to this film, the gross receipts of which were not exceeded until Gone With The Wind, and which introduced the a song which remained number one in the charts for months, "Sonny Boy." Here is plenty of information, and two clips from the movie.

Al Jolson's third motion picture was Say It With Songs, which premiered in August, 1929, and brought back child star Davey Lee after his success in The Singing Fool. With a similar plot line, the film tries to recapture a father's love for his Little Pal. Enjoy this summary of the film and three video clips of the movie.

The year 2020 marked the 90th anniversary of Al Jolson's fourth movie, Mammy. Here is a summary of this wonderful movie, with songs by Irving Berlin, along with photos and film clips of some of the songs from the picture.

The year 2020 also marked the 90th anniversary of Al Jolson's fifth movie, Big Boy. Adapted from the stage play of the same name, but with a new score, this was Jolson's only film done all in blackface. Here is a summary of the movie, along with video clips.

Certainly one of the most unusual of Jolson's films, Hallelujah, I'm A Bum went from being a box office flop to a cult classic. Here is an article from the Jolson Journal about the film, along with photos and clips to help you understand this unique Jolson offering.

For Al Jolson's last starring motion picture role, in May, 1939, he nominally moved down to third billing for the movie Rose of Washington Square. But in the eyes of the public and critics alike, it really was his picture. Quite different than his earlier films, here is a look at what the public thought about the film, and a special feature not really in the movie.

In 1939, Al Jolson recreated his groundbreaking movie role in The Jazz Singer for the movie Hollywood Cavalcade. Here is your chance to see the scene from the movie featuring Al Jolson.

In 1943, Al Jolson played himself in Rhapsody in Blue, the film biography of George Gershwin. In the film, Jolson illustrated his introduction of Gershwin's biggest hit, "Swanee," during the run of Sinbad. Click to see this great video clip..

Here is a very special Video Clip of Al Jolson. Predating the Jazz Singer, his first appearance on the screen in a talking picture.

Al Jolson was the first, and perhaps the only, person to have two film biographies made of his life while he was still alive. Take a look at these two classic films,
The Jolson Story and Jolson Sings Again!

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