and Edward G. Robinson |
Talking about spring, and love, Al Jolson opened the progam with a song about a girl, "Margie." Following that, and a discussion of the Academy Awards, Oscar Levant played the "Moonlight Sonata."
After the customary Velveeta commercial by Ken Carpenter, Al and Oscar collaborate in a little "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling," and a bit looking at various composers who "stole" their music from Jolson. This bit was included on the classic "Jolson and Levant" album. It shows Jolson and Levant with some of their best reparte. After dealing with all the "stolen" music, Jolson sings one that is "completely original, the Indian love ballad, 'Ramona.'" Following that, Lou Bring and his orchestra join Jolie after the verse with a beautiful rendition of "Quarter To Nine." The audience can hardly restrain themselves, listen to the clapping within the song.
Posing as Jolson's conscience, if you can imagine it, comes tough man Edward G. Robinson, who claims to be behind most of Jolson's stylistic quirks. Interspersed with jokes about Jolson's age and wealth, Al longs to change his style, perhaps into a tough guy himself. Of course, Edward G. has to sing a few bars of his own version of "April Showers," himself!
After another Lenten Velveeta commercial, Al Jolson sang a song he always loved to sing, Irving Berlin's "Always."
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this week's program | ||
This is an excerpt of the 18 Mar 1948 broadcast of the Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson. While Edward G. Robinson was the guest on this week's show, you will have to listen to the full show on the page to hear his segment. This segment includes Irish Eyes, an Indian Love ballad, and Frederic Chopin, among others, with Jolson and Levant in very fine form, indeed. Looking at Jolie and Oscar make it that much more real. |
Updated 17 Mar 24 |