“I think my favorite director was the first one that I ever had as Warner’s kid star with Michael Curtiz”

Well folks, its time to continue our journey in memory lane as we continue with Part III of our fascinating six-part interview with Sybil Jason. Sybil, has recently published a great book, “My Fifteen Minutes” which includes a must read chapter devoted to her life-long friend, the legendary Al Jolson. Sybil will also share with some with us some great stories and insights from her book about Jolie, Ruby, Erle, Durante, Cab, International Al Jolson Society and the Golden Era of Hollywood.

Free Sybil Jason Part III Interview Podcast

After collecting audio assets for four Jolson related interviews, I have launched the First Jolson Podcast and you can listen to Part II of my interview with Sybil Jason. 

For those of that may not be familiar with Podcasts:

Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio or video programs, over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on mobile devices (such as MP3 Players)  and personal computers.

Podcasts are distinguished from other digital audio formats by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading feeds like RSS or Atom. - Wikipedia

To listen to the free Jolson and Friends Blog Podcast published audio files

Use http://feed.jolsonblog.com and click on:

Jolson and Friends Blog Podcast: Sybil Jason Interview Part III

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Use http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/ or http://www.podcastalley.com or http://bloglines.com/ to set-up account and then search on Jolson and Friends Blog Podcast.

If you are currently using a RSS or atom reader add http://feed.jolsonblog.com to you subscribed content list.

Jolson and Friends Blog Special Feature: Richard Halpern’s Video Play List

For those of you, who have not had the opportunity to see Richard Halpern’s recent August 24th, 2006 New York City appearance, the Jolson and Friends Blog will be featuring several video performances over the next couple of months. This includes some great songs and his personal homage to the great Tin Pan Alley songwriters and performers including Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker, Irving Caesar, E.Y. Harburg, B.G. DeSylva, Ira Gershwin, George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Charles Tobias, Henry Tobias and Sammy Timberg.

Copyright © 2006 Brian Marcus Decker

Jolson and Friends presents a special featured video of Richard Halpern’s performance of, "I've got a Feeling I'm Falling" (1929) - Music and Lyrics: Rose, Link, Waller Sung by Richard Halpern with Richard Danley at the piano.

Click here to view video:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=v3wQUe7o0h4&mode=related&search=

Upcoming Events

Brian Gari NYC Book Signing Event for, “We Bombed In New London”

Brian Gari will be signing copies of his new book about the inside story of his Broadway musical, “Late Nite Comic” on:

• November 28th at 7PM at Barnes & Noble at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Memories of Jolson starring Gary Birkhof: Sunday December 3rd, 2006 at 2:00pm

For one performance only, the life, music and legend that was Al Jolson comes to the Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope, Ontario. With songs such as My Mammy, Swanee, and California Here I Come, Memories of Al Jolson is a show to keep its audience humming the tunes even after they leave the theatre. With the incredible Gary Birkhof as Al Jolson, Emerald Sky Entertainment will recreate what it was like to see this amazing entertainer in concert. With a full piece band, exceptional dancers and the outstanding Lisa Devan as Ruby Keeler, the audience will be transported on an epic journey that will keep their feet taping and hearts singing. So come along and experience Memories of Al Jolson, because, “You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet.”

Capitol Arts Centre in Port Hope

20 Queen St., Port Hope, Ontario

Sunday December 3rd, 2006 at 2:00pm

Tickets $18 Adults and $15 Students and Seniors

Information call: 800-434-5092

October Trivia Challenge Question:

The impact of Jolie’s contributions to music and the performing arts is enormous, name two historical events in the career of Al Jolson that occurred on October 23^rd.

October Trivia Challenge Answer:

Jolson’s funeral was held at Temple Israel on Hollywood Boulevard on October 26, 1950. Police estimated upwards of 20,000 people turned up.

While several people did acknowledged that Jolson died on October 23, 1950, no one was able to identify the second historical event.

The Jazz Singer premiered at Warner’s Strand in New York City on October 23, 1927 according to the famous film critic, Andrew Sarris writes in his book, “You Ain’t Heard Nothin’ Yet, the American Talking Film History & Memory, 1927 – 1949”.

“The Jazz Singer premiered at Warner’s Strand in New York City on October 23, 1927, a date enshrined in film history, with all the dread decisiveness of Waterloo, Sarajevo, and Pearl Harbor. On this date the death knell of the silent movies was sounded, and the talkies were born.” – Andrew Sarris

November Jolson and Friends Challenge: If you could ask Jolie one question.

Unfortunately no one has provided the correct answer to the October Trivia question. So let’s make it really easy for the November challenge. 

What if you had the chance to ask Al Jolson one question, what would it be?

I will give away t-shirts to two people who submit the most original and engaging questions. These questions will be used for future article for the Jolson and Friends Blog. Note please do not expect that your questions for this challenge will be answered.

Rules: If you could ask Al Jolson one questions must be e-mailed to Brian@JolsonBlog.com, with “Jolson and Friends Trivia Challenge” in the subject line. Two winners for the November Jolson and Friends Trivia Challenge will be selected based on originality and must be received by 12:00 noon (EST) Sunday, November 26, 2006. All published questions submitted for this challenge will be covered by the Jolson and Friends Blog copyright. Please include your full name, t-shirt size and mailing address in your response. Only one response accepted per person per monthly Jolson and Friends Trivia Challenge. Previous month winner is not eligible for this special November challenge. These collector edition T-shirts, are provided by AffiniTee LLC, include a vintage black and white or color reproduction of a 1928 theatrical program promoting “The Singing Fool” feature film starring the legendary, Al Jolson. Sizes may be limited based on in-stock availability.

The Holiday Sale is on. Save on Jolson, Cantor and the New Jolie, Sherlock, Brooklyn Baseball and Amusement Park Limited Edition T-shirts

Save up to 15% now through December 31, 2006 (Includes FREE Shipping)

You will be “Sitting on Top of the World” with these limited edition T-shirts.  These are perfect holiday gifts for collectors of nostalgia and a must have for anyone interested in the legendary Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor. Each t-shirt comes with a FREE matching gift card.

AffiniTee LLC only uses brand new Hanes Beefy-Ts premium 6.1 oz. heavyweight pre-shrunk 100% cotton.  These unique vintage images are applied using a high pressure industrial heat press and professional grade hot transfers and use a special process for extended wear.

This unique T-shirts is available in white or black in adult sizes including small (34-36), medium (38-40), adult large (42-44) and XL (46-48) sizes. Additional sizes including children, adult XXL and XXXL are available on a special order basis and are subject to a $3.00 surcharge to prices listed below

     Jolson Singing Fool                      Cantor Tell to the Judge                              Moon Rocket Ride

     Jolie                                        Brooklyn Baseball                         Asbury Park Clowns

           Sherlock Double                            Sherlock Improbable                          Sudoku Puzzle

Here’s the Deal: Save up to 15%

Al Jolson Limited Edition T-shirt: The Singing Fool

This is a vintage color reproduction of a 1928 theatrical program.

Eddie Cantor Limited Edition T-shirt: Tell it to the Judge

This is a vintage two-color reproduction of 1930s board game.

Moon Rocket Ride Limited Edition Carnival T-shirt

This is a vintage color reproduction of a hand painted tin carnival sign.

Jolie NEW Black & White Limited Edition T-shirt:

This is a vintage B/W illustration of Jolie from the 1920s.

NEW Color Vintage Brooklyn Baseball Limited Edition T-shirt:

Forget the Dodgers; this is real deal, a turn of the century Brooklyn Baseball T-shirt.

NEW Asbury Park Clowns Limited Edition Boardwalk T-shirt

This clown no longer graces Asbury Park Boardwalk, but this vintage color reproduction lives on.

NEW Sherlock Double Limited Edition T-shirt

Looking left and right “the game is afoot” with this vintage, black and white illustrated, Sherlock t-shirt, with no clues overlooked.  

NEW Sherlock Improbable Limited Edition T-shirt

Vintage Sherlock, black and white illustrated profile, on t-shirt with famous quote, “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”

NEW Sudoku Clueless Limited Edition T-shirt

Sudoku aficionados can proudly challenge the world with this puzzling T-shirt.

Here’s the Deal: Save up to 15%

White or Natural T-Shirt: $17.00 with FREE U.S Shipping and Matching Gift Card (Regular price $20.00)

Black T-Shirt: $19.00 with FREE U.S Shipping and Matching Gift Card (Regular price $22.00)

Pack of 5 gift cards: with envelopes is $8.50 with FREE U.S Shipping (Regular price $10.00)

Pack of 10 gift cards: with envelopes is $15.50 with FREE U.S Shipping (Regular price $18.00)

For additional information, special orders, discounted shipping outside the U.S., payments through Pay Pal, please contact: brian@affinitee.com .

To order please specify style (Jolson, Cantor, Moon, Jolie, Brooklyn Baseball, Asbury Park Clown, Sherlock Double Profile, Sherlock Improbable, Sudoku), quantity, size, t-shirt color (white/natural or black), type (t-shirts or matching gift cards) and your shipping address. Please send checks to:

AffiniTee LLC c/o

Brian Marcus Decker

24 Arverne Road

West Orange, NJ

07052

Sybil Jason Interview: Part III

“Never to give up and don’t let them get to you. I think that was the best advice he gave me.”

Brian Marcus Decker:  In addition to appearing in movies and your promotional stage appearances, you also had the chance to perform with other stars, directors, and producers at the Warner Ball which was held downtown Los Angeles with Al Jolson as the MC (Master of Ceremony).  Can you tell us about that experience?

Sybil Jason:  Well let me explain that the Warner Ball could very easily be compared to the glamour and scope of the Oscars nowadays.  All the different studio heads and their bright stars attended the Warner Ball and in this particular year in 1937 Al Jolson was the MC.  Can you believe that?  All kinds of entertainment were provided by Warner Brothers and I appeared in two sections of the program.  The first was the duet that Jolie and I did from our song together in “The Singing Kid” for which got a standing ovation, which pleased us both no end.  And then later on in the program me and the Busby Berkeley Dancing Girls.  We created our dance sequences of a precision military tap dance from the Technicolor short that I starred in called “The Changing of the Guard”.  It was a wondrous evening attending by a packed cream of the crop Hollywood stars and executives.

Brian Marcus Decker:  Sybil you’ve had an amazing opportunity to work with which I would call seminole Hollywood directors from Michael Curtiz to William Keighley, William Dieterle, Busby Berkley and of course Walter Lang.  Who was your favorite film director and why?

Sybil Jason:  Well this is a tough question, although I was a very lucky little girl to have had some of the best directors that Hollywood ever produced.  In these styles of directing they were very diverse; however I think my favorite director was the first one that I ever had as Warner’s kid star with Michael Curtiz.  He was a realist and insisted upon realism at all costs.  He was very precise in his directing which made it easy for a child to understand as opposed to another director that I loved and admired the great Mervyn Leroy.   As an observer and a kid actress one would think that Ruben directed it all, but Brian he was amazing.  He had the genius to get out of an actor what most directors could not.  So as you can see they were all, they all had their different styles.

Brian Marcus Decker:  What was the best advice that Al Jolson ever gave you?

Sybil Jason:  Well let me see.  I think that as an adult when I was visiting him on Lux Radio program after many years apart.  I was an adult and a new married lady, and for a very short while I still had visions of the journey to acting and Jolie said that it wasn’t long ago that he couldn’t even get a stint on anyone’s show, but he outlasted everyone that had given him a hard time.  He told me, “Never to give up and don’t let them get to you.”  I think that was the best advice he gave me.

“Ruby was a very sweet, but a very quiet one.  Erle, I just adored because she had the most wonderful sense of humor.” 

Brian Marcus Decker:  You’ve known two of the women who were married to Al Jolson.  Can you share with us a story about your relationships with Ruby Keeler and Erle Jolson Krasna?

Sybil Jason:  Well they were both fantastic ladies but they were very, very different.  Ruby was a very sweet, but a very quiet one.  I knew her away from the cameras at her and Jolie’s home.  She was the perfect hostess making everyone feel very, very special.

Erle, I just adored because she had the most wonderful sense of humor.  She and I exchanged many stories about Jolie, which were all on the private side, but I can share this nice story.  Erle told me that happiest she ever saw Jolie was when he and Al Junior spent time in their pool.  Al was at his most relaxed and happiest.  Isn’t that a nice story to know?

Brian Marcus Decker:  That really is.  Haven’t you earned the reputation of “One-take Jason” in Hollywood?

Sybil Jason:  That’s kind of funny.  I would imagine it would be kind of annoying to some adult actors, but nobody expressed that annoyance.  I’ve always had a photographic memory and it only took me one glance to look at a script and memorize my lines, and not only mine but the others in the cast.  I never forgot a line, so I quickly got the reputation of “One-take Jason”.

Coming November 15, 2006: Sybil Jason Interview Part IV

• You’ve had on the screen on and off camera relationships with a number of child performers during that golden age of Hollywood.  Can you name a few of these performers and why they were so memorable to you?

• The New York Post and another newspaper article referred to you as, “Warner Brother’s eight-year-old threat to Shirley Temple’s crown” and   “Sonny boy in skirts.” Did these quotes actually come from Warner Brother’s PR?

• From your personal experience as a child star how were child performers disciplined on the set?

• “The Blue Bird” is a very, very interesting film but it really seemed to close the book on a number of careers and was really still considered a commercial failure.  What do you think were some of the reasons behind the film’s lack of success?

• Now there was some conflict and bad behavior between the director William Dieterle and Humphrey Bogart on the set of “The Great O’Malley”.  Can you tell us a little bit about that?

This is Brian Marcus Decker and thank you for joining us on the Jolson and Friends blog.  This is the first and most important blog dedicated to the life and musical influences of the legendary Al Jolson, The World’s Greatest Entertainer, as well as his friends.  And please visit us again http://www.jolsonblog.com. 

Holiday Gift Ideas from Jolson and Friends Blog

My Fifteen Minutes: An Autobiography of a Child Star of the Golden Era of Hollywood (Paperback) by Sybil Jason

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Changes to Jolson and Friends Blog

In the upcoming months I am looking to continue to evolve the Jolson and Friends Blog and wanted preview some upcoming changes.  As of this post, I am promoting the sale of Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor and six new Limited Edition T-shirt designs (featured above) and matching gift cards. The sales from these items will help offset the cost of maintaining this blog.

Due to the time intensive nature of ongoing research, content development, production and maintaining and the Blog, I will am publishing twice a month instead of weekly. The next blog update will happen on November 15, 2006.

I am starting to work on several future Jolson and Friends projects including:

·         Expanded global coverage of local events.

·         Future podcasts of upcoming interviews and special performance-based content.

·         Jolson and Friends Recommended Reading and Viewer Lists including cost-saving shopping links to find out-of-print books, videos and more.

To ensure that you are automatically informed about new postings, please enter your email address at the sidebar on the left of this blog page or send an email to my attention, with the subject line “Subscribe”, to brian@JolsonBlog.com.

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