The Jolson Story Page #4

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I hope you find what you are looking for.

Thanks, Mr. Dockstader.

Papa, you're not

going to start again tonight?

Can't a man ask himself questions?

In six months, three cards.

I would really like to understand.

He leaves Dockstader

and then no cards. Why?

Because he did not leave Dockstader

for a better position...

because, for a long time, he isn't working.

Excuse me, are you the Yoelsons

who have a talented son in show business?

Yup, it's the right Yoelsons.

Mama, you got younger.

- Why didn't you say you were coming?

- Isn't this better?

- This way Mama's having a good cry.

- How are you?

- Look at him, a man.

- Did you eat, Asa?

- Eat? What's that?

- Mama, he didn't eat!

Come on, sit down. Papa and I just finished,

but there's plenty. I got everything.

I got to tell Ann!

Sit down. Make him sit down, Papa.

Ann Murray!

Why is she so excited?

What's there to be so excited about?

Mama takes all the medals.

Still the best cook in the United States.

After what you've been eating,

by comparison I'm wonderful.

Look at him. Shows you what you can tell

from pictures. He is skin and bones.

You see...

That's nice, to put a cap on when you eat.

But, Asa...

did you wear one all the time

you were away?

- As a matter of fact, I didn't.

- For me, it's not necessary.

- Gefilte fish I made this morning.

- And horseradish, fresh-grated an hour ago.

Look out for it, Asa. It's very strong.

Who's that again? Not Ann Murray?

Of course. She grew up.

And look how pretty.

That's what I mean. It can't be.

She was just a funny little girl

with funny ribbons in her hair.

Listen to that, Mama.

And you were such a prize, I suppose?

- Asa was a beautiful boy.

- You see?

- Let him eat. The fish.

- I can taste this already.

- Not too much horseradish.

- I don't have to worry about...

Magnificent.

See? I knew he would like it.

Wonderful, Mama.

Really, the best you ever made.

Mama, you're terrific.

- Tell me, Papa, how's everybody been?

- Mama and I have been well.

By the way, do you know who came

to see us a few weeks ago? Steve Martin.

- How is he?

- I don't know.

He didn't look so well.

He said he was picking up time.

- Is that good?

- Lf you don't have a regular booking...

that means you're picking up

whatever work you can get.

- And you...

- Papa, please, he's eating.

- You can talk business later.

- I'm sorry.

It's all right, Mama.

It's true. I've been picking up a little time

now and then.

- You see...

- But wait.

I'd have had regular booking

if I'd wanted it. But I've had other ideas.

They sound a little crazy to anyone but me.

Like what, Asa?

Like spending most of my time

in hotel rooms with songwriters...

whenever I met up with one...

trying to make songs out of music

I picked up.

Music nobody ever heard of before,

but the only kind I want to sing.

Is this music so peculiar?

You sing it all the time, Papa.

- You want to sing prayers on the stage?

- No, just the feeling in prayers.

That's what's in the people I got it from...

and that's what's in their music,

even when it's fast and happy.

But they tell me it won't go, Papa.

It's never been done.

In fact, I'll tell you a secret.

They say your son's a little crazy.

Mama, our son is a little crazy.

But what can we do? He is our boy.

We have got to love him.

But about crazy people, Asa...

it's very funny.

See, once they prove they are right,

they are suddenly great people.

I'll go. Eat, Asa.

Hello. Yes?

New York?

Hello. Yes?

Who?

Al?

Asa? He is right here.

Yes, and who is this, please?

Baron?

A Mr. Tom Baron.

Hello, Tom? How are you?

Where'd you drop from?

How'd you know I was here?

I got your home address from an agency.

It's about this, Al.

You remember that contract

with Hammerstein?

I was so bad that he paid me off

if I'd stop singing.

That's how it happens I'm managing

the new Winter Garden Theatre.

I got you to thank for the whole thing.

Look, my friend, we open in three weeks.

There's a spot in the show for you,

if you want it.

If I want it?

Winter Garden?

Yes, I heard you, Tom. It's just a spot...

but Broadway.

Except, tell me, Tom, what do I do?

- I mean, exactly what do I sing?

- I don't know.

Any one of the songs

that's been written for the show.

Why can't I pick my own, Tom?

Not exactly my own.

It's stuff I picked up. Terrific songs.

They need to be polished up

by someone good. Won't take much time.

They're terrific, but not written yet?

What's the good, if it won't help the show

and I can't do what I can?

I don't care if it's the biggest show,

I rather pass it up.

Let me bring the stuff on

and help me get it into shape.

You will? You're marvelous.

I can leave right away.

I'll be on that train in an hour.

- He just came home.

- Right, Tom, the minute I get there.

- Asa, you are leaving?

- Just right next door, New York. I'll be back.

Honey, what a break this is.

New York, Broadway,

Winter Garden, here I come.

How do you like that?

It's got to be his own song...

- and his own way of singing it.

- Hasn't changed a day.

Thanks a lot.

Don't tell him I had anything to do with it.

This could turn out to be a pack of trouble.

Al? Trouble? I can't imagine what you mean.

Show's running too long.

It's almost 11:
00 p.m.

- Who's on next?

- Jolson.

- Cut him and jump to the finish.

- Wait a minute.

Tell the orchestra leader about it.

Look, I want to go on.

Where's Baron? Ask Tom.

Baron isn't running this end of it. I am.

- Hold it. You're not on.

- That's what you think.

We're cutting the Jolson number.

I'm next, folks.

- You lucky people.

- But he's here, in front of me.

Oscar, what are you doing with that phone?

This is no time to call up women.

- I can't get up there and pull him off.

- Close the curtains on him.

Oscar, if you insist on phoning,

get one for me.

Hello, Oscar, remember me? Jolson.

Now, boys, take it easy.

Next they'll turn out the lights on me,

but I wouldn't mind that.

Professor, my song, if you please.

Settle back, folks.

You ain't heard nothing yet.

Everything seems lovely

when you start to roam

The birds are singing the day that you stray

But wait until you are further away

Things won't be so lovely

When you're all alone

Here's what you'll keep saying

when you're far from home

Mammy

Mammy

The sun shines east, the sun shines west

I know where the sun shines best

Mammy

My little mammy

My heartstrings

are tangled around Alabamy

I'm a-comin'

Sorry that I made you wait

I'm a-comin'

Hope and trust that I'm not late

Mammy

My little mammy

I'd walk a million miles

For one of your smiles

My mammy

Mammy

My little mammy

The sun shines east, the sun shines west

I know where the sun shines best

It's on my mammy I'm talking about

Nobody else's, my little mammy

My heartstrings are tangled around

Alabamy

Mammy

Mammy, I'm comin'

I hope I didn't make you wait

Mammy, I'm coming

I hope I'm not late

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