Al Jolson was pathologically jealous of other performers; he would run water in his dressing room to drown out the applause other performers would receive. So the last 10 minutes of the movie really speaks to this pathology. Here is Al Jolson in the theatre lobby unable to watch Al Jolson (Larry Parks) performing in the movie THE JOLSON STORY. Al Jolson being pathologically jealous of Larry Parks playing Al Jolsosn That is the essence of Jolie. Many of his peers thought him petty, mean spirited, jealous of others, and simply put--unlikable. George Burns didn't speak well of him. But there is no denying his ability to entertain--that too is what his peers commented on as well. My favorite performance is Al Jolson singing "Beautiful Dreamer"--the last song he would record before he died in 1950. I almost prefer the Black-face Al Jolson to the White Al Jolson. So while the movie is a piece of non-sense--the last 10 minutes of the film actually captures the essence of Al Jolson. And each and every song is worth treading through the nonsense. And just in case someone doesn't know--Larry Parks is miming Al Jolson singing.

If you loved "The Jolson Story" or Al Jolson's music, disappointment awaits you in this dreadful, lifeless and dishonest sequel.This movie would have us believe that after his initial superstar success, his career fell apart, he married a nurse, and unhappily drifted into a sing-less retirement. The only good Jolson numbers in this one are lifted -- literally -- from the first movie. Truth says otherwise.Even without a Google search I know that Jolson's stardom remained, he married Ruby Keeler, Broadway's #1 female star, and they appeared together on stage and screen. Jolson was involved in this sequel, so I do not understand why he's untruthfully portrayed as a loser.

Wonderful sequel to the 1946 film. Larry Parks, William Demarest and several others repeated their parts from the original.The film picks up exactly where the original had ended. Disgusted with his life, Jolson (Parks) walks out on his show business career and for several years travels, dabbles with horses and lives a real care-free life.With the death of his mother, (Tamara Shayne-who really doesn't look or act too Jewish at all), Jolson embarks on a tour for services until illness ends that.There is a nice performance by Barbara Hale (the future Della Street) as the southern nurse that he marries. Hale has just the right Arkansas twang in her speech to carry it off.When illness follows him, Jolson withdraws from entertaining fearing that his lung operation has affected his voice. He also feels that no one is really interested in him anymore. Unfortunately, the latter is true.It is only when his life story is made into a motion picture that he makes a genuine come back.Parks is absolutely amazing as Jolson. Though Al sang, Parks does a brilliant job of dubbing. His mannerisms are so easily identified as those of Al Jolson.Ludwig Donath plays Jolson's cantor father. O my, a cantor eating in a non-kosher restaurant. What were the Hollywood writers thinking?Just hearing Jolson belt out his usual great tunes is great in itself. Entertaining and wonderful to view.

The sequel to The Jolson Story with Larry Parks playing himself and meeting Al Jolson for the first time to do this film. Jolson also appears in a long shot of a ramp scene singing Swanee River, but most people didn't know this until years later. The story begins with a Hollywood producer wanting to do the story, and takes up where Jolson's first wife gets a divorce. The movie of his life is a big winner! Later, during WW II, Jolson goes overseas to entertain troops, catches malaria, and while in a hospital falls in love with his nurse; a kind and patient beautiful nurse, played by Barbara Hale. William Demarest plays Jolson's manager and press agent. Ludwig Donath plays cantor again, and momma is played by Tamara Shayne, who lend much humor to the story. Perfect for those who loved Jolson and his music! This production won 3 Oscar nominations for writing, cinematography and musical scoring. I give it 10/10