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The Jolson Story

1946·Movie
2h 8min·NR
86
ExcellentGoodWatch score

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No stream option in US yet.

The Jolson Story fingerprint

Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.

Energy

Spectacular

  • Spectacle7
  • Tension5
  • Fast Pace5

Heart

Nostalgic and romantic

  • Nostalgia8
  • Romance7
  • Pathos7

Humor

Some slapstick

Not a comedy at heart.

  • Physical Comedy5
  • Wit & Wordplay4
  • Situational Comedy3

World

History, a real life story, and show business

Lived-in and easy to get lost in.

  • World Immersion8
  • Dialogue Centrality6
  • Rewatchability6

Craft

Standout performances

  • Acting8
  • Direction7
  • Narrative Structure7

Style

Standout score

  • Music Centrality9
  • Music Composition8
  • Cinematography7

Who it's for

AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism

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About

The Music... The Magic... The Times... of America's Greatest Entertainer.

At the turn of the 20th century, young Asa Yoelson decides to go against the wishes of his cantor father and pursue a career in show business. Gradually working his way up through the vaudeville ranks, Asa — now calling himself Al Jolson — joins a blackface minstrel troupe and soon builds a reputation as a consummate performer. But as his career grows in size, so does his ego, resulting in battles in business as well as in his personal life.
Biographical DramaShow BusinessVaudeville EraMusicalNostalgic StorytellingRise to FameBlackface MinstrelAl Jolson

Sequels and Prequels

No sequels or prequels available

Media

Questions about The Jolson Story

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream The Jolson Story legally?

GoodWatch doesn't know of a legal streaming option for The Jolson Story in the United States right now. Pick another country in the Where to Watch section to check elsewhere.

Is The Jolson Story worth watching?

86
ExcellentGoodWatch score

Yes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 87/100 (IMDb 7.2 and Rotten Tomatoes 100%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.

What is The Jolson Story rated?

NR

It's rated NR in the United States.

How long is The Jolson Story?

2 h 8 min

The Jolson Story runs 2 h 8 min.

Is The Jolson Story based on a true story?

Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.

Do critics and audiences agree on The Jolson Story?

Critics100
Audiences76

Not quite. Critics rate The Jolson Story higher (100) than audiences (76). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.

What language is The Jolson Story in?

English

It was made in English. Produced in United States.