Al Jolson on Lux Theatre Burlesque

|His Works|Radio|15 Jun 36 Lux Burlesque

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.

BURLESQUE About a year after Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler made Go Into Your Dance, and shortly after adopting a little baby boy, Al and Ruby appeared on the Lux Radio Theatre in a radio adaptation of the show Burlesque. With a story line that sounds remarkably like several of Jolson's movies, this one hour broadcast was heard at 6 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 1936.

The story is that of a burlesque comic who leaves the love of his life to make it big on Broadway. She drifts toward another on the rebound, but, by the end of the program, they reunite in mutual success. Along the way, Al Jolson sings "Toot, Toot, Tootsie, Goo'bye," and "Is It True What They Say About Dixie?" At an encore performance at the end of the program Jolson sings the Irving Berlin number, "A Pretty Girl Is Like A Melody." We are also treated to Ruby's tapping during the broadcast.

Although the original broadcast was one hour long, this transcription is without commercials and station breaks, and lasts about 45 minutes. Enjoy the program, starring Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler, with host Cecil B. DeMille. Lou Silvers conducted the CBS studio orchestra.

Enjoy these items from the time of the broadcast:


Promotional photo from newspaper	Nicer photo than one printed	Click to read Variety's review

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 is an excerpt of the 15 Jun 1936 Lux Radio Theatre broadcast of Burlesque, featuring Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler, illustrated with images of the stars. This segment features Al Jolson singing three songs from the program, some comedy scripted between Jolson and Keeler, and even some of Ruby's tap dancing.

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Updated 14 Jun 26