Al Jolson in Rose of Washington Square

Rose of Washington Square - 1939

Al Jolson's last leading role in a film was as third billing, behind Tyrone Power and Alice Faye, in 20th Century Fox's Rose of Washington Square. Opening on May 5, 1939, the day of the Kentucky Derby, Darryl Zanuck's publicity machine turned the horserace into a giant promotion for the movie. Here are some clips from the time, along with other material, to get a feel for the movie, and where Jolson placed it the film, despite third billing.

You can click on any of the articles to see them large enough to read!

We've read that Jolson fell into oblivion in the 1930s, retired and out of the public eye. This was one of the themes of the Jolson biopix. But here is a contemporaneous account, from 80 years ago, May 9, 1939, having seen Jolson's latest efforts in "Rose of Washington Square." See if you agree.

Here is an account of just what was going on at the Kentucky Derby that that year, you think they might have just shown the film! And there is even a look back to The Jazz Singer, from a dozen years earlier.

In Variety's review of the movie, they take note of the fact that, although third billed, this was Jolson's movie! Remember to click on the image to be able to read the full article.

This is the wrap up of just what was going on at the Derby that year.

To top it all off, there was even a review of the radio broadcast, again highlighting Al Jolson.

As an added treat, here is a clip from the IAJS DVD of Rose of Washington Square, showing an alternate take of the song "Toot, Toot, Tootsie," a bit different than the version within the movie. This is just one of several features on the IAJS DVD, making it a must-have for any Jolson collector. See the information on the Video Page of the International Al Jolson Society. Click on the photo to see the clip.

If you've watched Rose of Washington Square, and either have an understanding of show business history, or also watched Funny Girl, you may see a similarity in plot. Fannie Brice also saw a similarity -- to her life -- and, two months after the picture's release, sued for defamation of character and other issues, to the sum of $750,000. The suit was settled about 18 months later. Was it a real suit, or something dreamed up for publicity for the movie months after its release? We may never know!

July 15, 1939

December 20, 1940

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Updated 27 Apr 23