Al Jolson was described by his peers as "the greatest entertainer of the times" but this rarely translated onto film, and this film is probably one of two films in which you get to see him at his best. The film itself comes from a 19th century folk song that was popular during the depression. Jolson himself recorded it in 1928 after his spectacular 1927 "The Jazz Singer". This film was the 7th Jolson film and he continued sporadically until 1945, but with the exception of his first film, the rest are pretty poor.
The film has a great pedigree. It's a musical of sorts, with a script from Ben Hecht, music from Alfred Newman, a score by Rogers and Hart, and directed by Lewis Milestone. But Milestone wasn't known for his comedies, much less musical comedies, and perhaps the film is weakest in this regard.
It also suffers from the time period. Minstrel shows seem to be the basis for much of the film's structure, and it appears dated, as does the political philosophy. Nonetheless, Jolson is given plenty of opportunity to do what he did, and Frank Morgan (the "Wizard of Oz") is similarly a joy to watch. Disappointing are silent film legends Harry Langdon and Chester Conklin.
The film has a great pedigree. It's a musical of sorts, with a script from Ben Hecht, music from Alfred Newman, a score by Rogers and Hart, and directed by Lewis Milestone. But Milestone wasn't known for his comedies, much less musical comedies, and perhaps the film is weakest in this regard.
It also suffers from the time period. Minstrel shows seem to be the basis for much of the film's structure, and it appears dated, as does the political philosophy. Nonetheless, Jolson is given plenty of opportunity to do what he did, and Frank Morgan (the "Wizard of Oz") is similarly a joy to watch. Disappointing are silent film legends Harry Langdon and Chester Conklin.