Musical Director Lou Bring and Al Jolsonon the Kraft Music Hall ![]() Guest Star Lauritz Melchoir |
This second installment of The Kraft Music Hall starring Al Jolson continued with the ensemble of Al Jolson and Oscar Levant, with the second, and final, appearance of Milena Miller. The guest star on this program was Metropolitan Opera Star Lauritz Melchior.
After a few opening remarks about the new program -- and a few "topical" jokes which seem a bit forced -- Al Jolson delivered a wonderful rendition of "Waiting for the Robert E. Lee."
Following this, Oscar Levant took to the piano with his musical number. Although not named in the program, it is the "Ritual Fire Dance" from Manuel De Falla's El Amor Brujo.
In what would become a standard and running gag between Levant and Jolson, Oscar tried to sing "Liza" after his performance, which Jolson proceeded to sing "the right way."
Following this, Milena Miller sang "I Wish I Didn't Love You So," her swan song on the Music Hall.
Announcer Ken Carpenter gave us a treat, with a a classic Velveeta commercial.
The evening's guest, opera star Lauritz Melchior, then joined the show for the third segment. Of course, there have to be some comparisons with Jolson, but Melchoir demonstrated his operatic voice with "Return To Sorento."
To close the program, Al Jolson reached out to a hit Broadway show of the time, and sang a favorite combination, "Come To Me, Bend To Me" and "Annie Laurie" from "Brigadoon."
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this week's program | ||
| This is an excerpt of the 09 Oct 1947 broadcast of the Kraft Music Hall, starring Al Jolson with co-host Oscar Levant. This excerpt typifies the comedic interchange made famous by Jolson and Levant on the Music Hall, and is illustrated by pictures of Jolson and Levant from the program. |
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Updated 04 Oct 26 |