Jolson Sings Again

Jolson Sings Again

Year: 1949

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Director: Henry Levin

DramaMusic

After a premature retirement and a broken marriage, Al Jolson abandons the stage for a fast lane of women and travel. The death of his mother and World War II draw him back, and with manager Steve Martin he entertains troops from Alaska to Africa. Collapse from exhaustion leads him to nurse Ellen Clark, who shows him there’s more to life than rushing.

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Timeline & Setting – Jolson Sings Again (1949)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Jolson Sings Again (1949). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Late 1930s – World War II era

The narrative unfolds in the lead-up to and during World War II, capturing Jolson's rise, fall, and comeback. Personal losses—the death of his mother and strain in his marriage—fuel his journey back to the stage. Wartime morale and the prospect of a biopic shape much of the story's tempo and stakes.

Location

Alaska, Africa, United States

Set across a global tour, the film moves from Alaska to Africa and through wartime troop camps. The action shifts between lively concert venues and the movie studio where Jolson's life could be told on screen. These varied locales highlight Jolson's life on stage and off during a period of global conflict.

🎭 Showbiz 🗺️ Global tour

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

Main Characters – Jolson Sings Again (1949)

Meet the key characters of Jolson Sings Again (1949), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Al Jolson

Al Jolson, the legendary singer, faces a career on the wane as new stars emerge. He endures personal heartbreak when his wife leaves and his health begins to decline as the war years loom. Through exhaustion and doubt, he finds renewed purpose when a friend rekindles his passion for performing and for telling his life story on film.

🎭 Performer 🎵 Musician

Ralph Bryant

Ralph Bryant is an Army officer turned movie producer who met Jolson during a tour. He sees Jolson's life as fertile ground for a new screen biography and pitches the idea with enthusiasm. He helps orchestrate the biopic project, acknowledging Jolson's changing fame while pushing for a fresh, high-quality production.

🎬 Producer 🪖 Veteran

Ellen Clark

Ellen Clark is a young nurse who tends to Jolson during his exhaustion. Her care shows Jolson there is more to life than constant touring, offering stability and perspective. Her presence provides emotional grounding as Jolson reconnects with his art and his marriage.

👩‍⚕️ Nurse ❤️ Support

Steve Martin

Steve Martin is Jolson's longtime manager who keeps the career moving and pushes for a comeback. He helps coordinate the biopic project and sustains Jolson's relevance in a shifting entertainment landscape. His practical, loyal guidance helps Jolson navigate the pressures of fame.

🎬 Manager 🤝 Friend

Cantor Yoelson

Cantor Yoelson is Jolson's father, a figure of family duty who worries about his son's frivolous lifestyle. His concerns reflect the tension between traditional values and the star's modern, restless life.

👨‍👦 Father 🎵 Musician

Moma Yoelson

Moma Yoelson is Jolson's mother, whose death marks a turning point in the story. Her memory and stance as a grounding influence shape Jolson's later decisions and emotional recovery.

👵 Family 💔 Loss

Theater Manager

The Theater Manager helps coordinate Jolson's live appearances, shaping the rhythm of his touring schedule and stage shows. This role underscores the logistical side of a star's life and the constant demands of performance.

🎭 Manager 🗓️ Scheduler

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

Major Themes – Jolson Sings Again (1949)

Explore the central themes of Jolson Sings Again (1949), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Showbiz

Jolson Sings Again centers on the volatility of fame. Jolson cycles through triumph and burnout as younger stars eclipse him, illustrating how stardom can be both exhilarating and exhausting. His decision to help create a life story on film reframes his legacy and gives him a renewed purpose. The film treats show business as a demanding world where talent isn't enough without resilience.

🪖 War & Morale

The movie uses World War II-era settings to frame Jolson's value as a morale-boosting performer. He travels to far-flung places, bringing songs to troops and audiences alike. The war provides context for the biopic's appeal, offering a ready-made audience for a life story that resonates with patriotism and perseverance. The tour becomes a test of Jolson's health and resolve, highlighting the strain of performing under pressure.

❤️ Family & Redemption

Personal loss and reconciliation drive Jolson's arc. The death of his mother and strain in his marriage push him toward self-discovery and a healthier balance between life on the road and home. Ellen Clark's care helps him see there is more to life than endless rushing, guiding him back to the stage with renewed purpose. The story emphasizes the power of love and friendship to steady a star on the brink.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:25

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Jolson Sings Again Summary

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Jolson Sings Again Summary

Jolson Sings Again Timeline

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Jolson Sings Again Timeline

More About Jolson Sings Again

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