Jolson Sings Again Page #2

There. But be careful.

Don't worry. This stuff got me once.

But I take it easy now.

Very easy.

I am afraid this week it was extra strong.

On his back, Papa. I'll bring the chicken.

Buying a horse, that I understand.

But buying a fighter, a human being.

How is this, Papa?

Foolishness, a tragedy, that's how it is.

A whole world is on fire,

a Hitler swallows nations...

millions of our people driven, tortured,

killed like flies.

You do not want to sing, all right.

But horses, fighters!

Hello, Cantor. This is Steve.

Tell me first, is Mamma any better?

I am afraid not.

The pneumonia came so fast.

Did you reach Asa?

No. I called Havana twice.

He is off cruising on somebody's boat.

They are getting in touch with him by radio.

I don't know how long it'll take him

to sail back to Havana and catch a plane.

- You will keep trying, please.

- Sure I will.

Thank you very much, Steve.

Bye.

You all right, Papa?

I wish I had been here.

She understood, Asa.

No sense to feel sorry.

That was a prayer for Mamma.

For Mamma, and all our people.

For their suffering, like millions today.

I know.

You do?

Come, Asa.

Sit down, Asa.

I'll get you something, something to eat,

or maybe a cold drink.

No, thanks, Papa, I don't want anything.

- Who looks after you here now?

- Someone comes in.

It is all arranged.

I think I have to lie down for a few minutes.

- Just on the couch.

- Sure, go ahead.

- Just a few minutes. You'll stay?

- Of course I will.

- I am going to call Steve in New York.

- Fine.

How about coming away with me

for a while?

- Take a little trip somewhere.

- We are in the war now.

- This is no time for trips.

- A week or so, just for a change.

Thank you.

But prize fights, racetracks,

that change I wouldn't need.

- Why do you say that, Papa?

- I merely said a fact.

- You hate everything I've been doing.

- It's your life to throw away.

What do you want me to do?

Who can tell another man?

You want me to get in the war

and fight at my age?

A man finds ways to do everything.

But if he is so busy fighting himself...

We will talk later.

Hello?

Oh, he's not? Will he... Come in.

Leave word for Mr. Martin

to call Washington, this number...

anytime before 11:00.

- That's right. Thanks.

- I'll do that.

Why, you...

Hello, Al.

- How are you?

- Fine.

- When did you get in?

- About an hour ago.

- How is Papa doing?

- Pretty good, Steve.

He is taking a nap in there, right now.

Yeah, he is fine.

Sit down, tell me the news.

- What are you doing around here?

- I got a date in 15 minutes.

This time of night?

I flew down to see a bunch of generals

at the war department.

- Who?

- Son, I have enlisted.

Enlisted! Why you're four times

older than I am!

- Don't tell me you're going to fight.

- Sure, from behind a desk.

- Quit kidding. What is this about?

- Entertainment for the kids overseas.

- Getting shows together?

- A little more than that.

You see, lots of entertainers

are over there now. Good talent.

But they got to have more, and the best.

Those kids are stuck away in

Pacific jungles, Aleutians, Africa, Iceland.

It'd be a terrific boost to morale

if they could get the top names to go over.

The biggest performers in the country.

That is the job they want me to tackle.

I guess they figured

if I could manage Jolson for 20 years...

I can lick anything.

Yeah, they're right.

You won't have any trouble, Steve.

Big name stars will go

once they know what's needed.

It's just a question of getting

a few of them to lead the way.

Sure. Darned big job, Steve.

I am proud of you.

Save it, pal.

You know, seven or eight years ago...

I could've been the guy

to start this thing off.

- What's the matter with now?

- Don't be silly.

These kids are hep.

They want the stuff they heard back home.

The top guys they know.

How many of them know me now?

But everybody in show business does.

And they have followed you before.

I'm thinking of the kids.

You know, I better get going.

- See you here later?

- Yeah.

So long, Al.

Maybe I'll walk over with you.

All right, boys, hold it. Hold it.

We are going to have a lot of fun tonight.

They've been telling us we're gonna

get some big entertainers up here.

And believe it or not,

we've got one of them with us right now.

In fact, when I heard this man was coming,

I said:

"They are making good in a big way."

I don't know what the name means to you...

but when I was your age,

it meant the world's greatest entertainer.

Al Jolson.

Thanks, Colonel.

If I am half as good as that send-off...

I may leave here a second lieutenant.

Hello, gang. I sing.

If you don't believe me,

write and ask your grandmothers.

It is wonderful working for guys like you...

'cause if you don't like it,

where can you go? It is me or nothing.

All kidding aside, fellows...

my stuff isn't what you were hearing

back home when you left...

but you might like an old one,

the way they used to do them.

Orchestra.

We leave home expecting to find a bluebird

Hoping every cloud will be silver-lined

But we all return

And as we live, we learn

That we left our happiness behind

The bird with

feathers of blue

Is waiting for you

Back in your own backyard

You'll see your castle in Spain

Through your windowpane

Back in your own backyard

Oh, you can go to the east

Go to the west

Someday you'll come

Weary at heart

Back where you started from

You'll find your happiness lies

Right under your eyes

Back in your own backyard

Big boot singing to those kids tonight.

I guess they thought I was a little old-timey.

They loved it. You heard them yell.

Yeah, I guess, it was just the idea

of something from home.

- Is that my plane?

- They'll call you.

- You ought to relax.

- How do you do that, Colonel?

It is kind of tough doing this,

after laying off a long time...

and not sure you're getting over,

that's what kills you.

You did not get over any better in Duluth,

20 years ago.

- Minnesota, that's where I first heard you.

- Well, I'll be darned.

- The old Lyceum Theatre.

- That's right.

It gets a little chilly in Duluth.

I played hooky from high school once

to see Robinson Crusoe.

Oh, boy. That's going way back.

To me, you were the greatest thing

that ever lived.

Thanks.

Did you sneak in

that afternoon or did you pay?

- Pay.

- Then that's all right.

First time I hit New York, the only thing

I wanted to do was go to the theatre...

to see you.

Now I understand about tonight.

You're just an old fan.

I could've knocked you over

reciting Little Bo Peep.

Yeah, you could.

- Ready to take off, sir.

- Thank you.

Well, here we go.

Look, Colonel,

tell the boys I'll try to get back.

Tell them a lot of big stars

will be along soon, but not to forget me.

They'll never forget

you were one of the early ones.

That is something.

Colonel Bryant, you've been wonderful.

- Hope we meet up someday back home.

- I hope we do.

In fact, if you are ever in Hollywood...

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