The Jolson Story (1946): cast, story & where to watch
1946 · Film · ★ 6.7
Released in 1946, The Jolson Story is a drama and music film directed by Alfred E. Green, running about 128 minutes. “The Music... The Magic... The Times... of America's Greatest Entertainer.” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. 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.
Who’s in it. The Jolson Story stars Larry Parks as Al Jolson, Evelyn Keyes as Julie Benson, William Demarest as Steve Martin and Bill Goodwin as Tom Baron, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, The Jolson Story has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Jolson Story page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Jolson Story tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Jolson Story (1946)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Jolson Story change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Jolson Story worth watching?
- The Jolson Story holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and music. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Jolson Story?
- The Jolson Story stars Larry Parks, Evelyn Keyes, William Demarest, Bill Goodwin and Ludwig Donath.
- When was The Jolson Story released?
- The Jolson Story was released in 1946, with a runtime of about 128 minutes.