The Jolson Story Page #8

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and a sky of blue above

Oh, the sun shines bright,

the world's all right

'cause I'm in love

There's a rainbow around my shoulder

and it fits me like a glove

Let it blow and storm

I'll be warm 'cause I'm in love

Hallelujah, how the folks will stare

when they see that great big solitaire

Let Jolson sing it, mister.

He's doing all right.

Think so?

Yes, sir

There's a rainbow around my shoulder

and a sky of blue above

And I'm shouting so the world will know

that I'm in love

"Jazz Singer marks the end

of silent pictures."

"First talking picture sensation."

I have followed show business

for many years...

but I must say,

I have never seen a thing like this.

- My expert.

- I haven't seen anything like it either.

- It's almost 3:
00. Where's Asa?

- You know what a half-hour business talk is.

- You go to sleep. Tom and I'll wait for them.

- Who can sleep on a night like this?

Hello, everybody.

We didn't realize how late it was.

- Did you see the papers?

- We saw them at Glenn's office.

- They're really something.

- "Something," he says.

I'm sorry, baby,

I wanted to celebrate tonight...

but we got to talking over...

I know, they want you to go right back

to the Coast to make another picture.

- How did you know?

- That was tough to figure out.

They said the first talking picture

will be a great hit.

- It ought to be followed with another one.

- You ought to go.

The point is I'd have to go alone. You can't

leave your show in the middle of a run.

We'll just have to wait a little while longer.

What happens

to the new Winter Garden show?

- That waits like Julie does.

- We'll talk about that later.

Wait a minute, Julie will be here,

Asa in California...

so where will you build your house?

In Kansas City?

Don't worry, Mama, we'll build it.

You're terrific to take it this way.

Another bad break, but it won't be for long.

Then you'll get everything you want, angel.

In fact, while I'm gone

you go ahead with the house.

Get it ready. Start building it. Start teaching

those frogs how to sing Mammy.

Yes, we're closing Saturday. It's definite.

I want you to fly here when you're through.

You were coming east when you're through.

A little change in plans, baby.

A big surprise.

But, Al...

Be on that plane no later than Sunday.

I'm dying to see you.

California, here I come.

Here we are, baby, home.

This is really something.

- How are you, Henry?

- Meet Mrs. Jolson.

Great to have her here, isn't it?

Here, baby, let me take this.

You want something? You want to clean up,

want something to eat?

- Henry will rustle up some grub.

- I don't want a thing.

Come on, let's go inside then.

Come on, fellas.

It's been a long time, honey.

Here, wait a minute, let me look at you.

- Never gonna let you out of my sight again.

- Good for you.

Sit down, Dick. This may take a little time.

- It's a little large, isn't it?

- It ain't exactly small.

You see, they used to play football here

before they built the Coliseum.

You wouldn't care for a place like this,

but don't let it get you down.

Darling, since we don't have to stay here

very long, I just love it.

Yeah, that's right.

Yet, on the other hand, baby, you know...

Come here. Sit down.

Got something to tell you.

On the other hand, what?

On the other hand,

he's talking through his hat.

We had a little dinner planned.

Forget what we arranged.

I can't wait, gotta tell her now.

What goes on here?

Honey, talking pictures are here for good.

They're getting better all the time.

In a few years, they'll have audiences

nobody ever dreamed of.

Studio's got terrific plans.

All I know is a man would have to be insane

to walk away from this now.

- AI, you went and did it.

- What?

You bought a house here. Or you're

building one with sunken gardens.

- That was the surprise you talked about.

- No, honest.

- You ain't heard nothing yet, Julie.

- You said it.

- Now, baby, now, listen...

- AI, are you gonna sing Mammy?

Quit clowning. Look,

you don't think I'd ask you to give up...

the stage and dancing and just have you

come out here and settle down?

I'd consider it.

I wouldn't let you do that. You're too terrific.

In fact, do you know what pictures need?

Talent, and something beautiful

at the same time, like you.

- Wait a minute.

- Listen, show business is here now, baby.

You belong in it, you and me both.

If we're together, who cares where we live?

The world's gotta hear about you.

Your name on billboards in 97 languages.

Greatest star pictures ever had.

You can't miss. The document?

- You didn't forget to bring it?

- Here.

Your studio's about to own

the biggest hunk of talent.

Papa's been working on this contract.

It's all ready to sign.

Wait a minute. Julie hasn't said anything.

- I can't think of anything.

- There you are.

Maybe she doesn't want her name

in more than 17 languages. Or maybe none.

Don't listen to him. For weeks he's

squawking about me rushing you into this.

This guy is out of his mind about pictures.

The latest type of Jolson rocket

is taking off.

I've been riding those dizzy things for years.

It's all right with me.

But maybe you had something

a little slower in mind.

Baby, what's he talking about?

Haven't the faintest idea.

My dear Mr. Martin, pictures need talent...

and what girl would take 17 languages

when she can have 97?

Shall I sign this now, Mr. Jolson?

Thanks, Steve, you talked her into it.

Here you are, baby.

Got a pen, Dick? We'll do this right now.

Call the studio. Mrs. Jolson's ready

for her first starring vehicle.

Call the studio. Mrs. Jolson's ready

for her first starring vehicle.

She's a Latin from Manhattan

You can tell by her manana

She's a Latin from Manhattan

And not Havana

Though she does the rumba for us

And she calls herself Dolores

She was in a Broadway chorus

known as Suzie Donahue

I can take a tambourine and whack it

But with me it's just a racket

She's a hoofer from Tenth Avenue

I'm a Latin from Manhattan

I'm a Forty-Second Streeter

She's a Latin from Manhattan

Senorita Donahue

- Here's to the real star of this family.

- I'll have a drink to that.

I thought I was pretty good.

- Now to Julie's next picture.

- Wait, let's not even think about it.

Not another one. Not right away.

I couldn't go through all that work again.

You can't stop now. You're up there.

Do another one

and prove the first one wasn't a fluke.

You won't mind the next one,

you're used to it.

And after the first dozen,

you won't mind anything.

Dozen?

My mother said, "Always be kind to

tired ladies, especially when they're pretty."

- Is the mob getting you down, babe?

- No, I like people, Steve.

I just wish sometimes

there weren't so many of them.

Funny how they never get tired

listening to him. Night after night.

Not so funny. He's a pretty remarkable fella.

That he is.

Soon, you and Al will wash up the pictures,

and you'll knock off for a long rest.

That'll take a miracle, Steve.

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