|His Works|Radio|01 Feb 50 Burns and Allen Show

George Burns helps Jolie sing

Al Jolson made his first appearance on a Burns and Allen program about three years before this week's broadcast. And now, no longer the radio novice, Jolson returned to his friends' program during this, the last year of his life. This program was broadcast on Wednesday, February 1, 1950. A week earlier, Jolie had a great recording session for Decca, the same day as this broadcast he did a cameo walk-on on Bing Crosby's program, and guested the next week with Bing on his show. And this was a man many feel could no longer record!

Bill Goodwin, who is known to many of us from his roles in The Jolson Story and Jolson Sings Again, opened the program as announcer and participant. The opening discussion hinged on Jolson's ego and popularity, legendary even then. Of course, Jolson's age was not off limits either, nor Burns'.

After some nicely scripted comedy between George and Gracie, and a few of the character actors regular to the show, Jolson returned to have a conversation with Gracie Allen. With the question of what keeps Jolie going, the response was typical Jolson. Listen along, and hold on for the ride.

Ultimately, Jolie's gotta sing, and sing he did. "Toot, Toot, Tootsie" was his first number, and a rousing version it is, whistling and all!

Bill Goodwin came in after the ovation to tell us all about Ammident, an ammoniated toothpaste, hailed as a new miracle tooth product. It is, by the way, no longer made.

After the commercial, George and Jolie commiserated over Gracie's questioning. Gracie, for her part, continued to exchange lines with series regulars. The segment concluded with Jolie being Swanee'd into a toothpaste commercial.

For the big number at the finish, how about a "Battle of the Singers," between Al and George? I won't tip the winner, but Jolson's numbers included "Yes Sir, That's My Baby," "Pretty Baby," and "Baby Face." Baby, this was one great show!