all races. Though in today's society this would never be tolerated
(just asks movie star(?) Ted Danson-Ha!) , it was a different age
back then and Minstrel Shows did a thriving business. Yes, Al was
a superstar in every branch of show business. Al or ÒJolieÓ
as he was known by his fans, was America's first "pop"
recording star, a legend in vaudeville, star of Broadway, films,
and radio - this guy did it all and he did it better than anyone
else! He is regarded by many to be the greatest and most popular
entertainer in American history. In 1927 Jolson starred Warner Brothers
"The Jazz Singer" which was the first talking picture
or talkie. The soundtrack mostly consisted of background
music but Al belted out a few songs and even spoke a few lines,
one of which being the immortal phrase-"You ain't heard nuthin'
yet! Yes Al introduced the World to a new form of cinema with this
historic talkie that will continue forever! Al made a slew
of films, most of which were very successful and his carrier thrived
throughout his entire life until he died of a heart attack shortly
after entertaining US Troops in Korea in 1950. This klock portrays
Al as a classic black-faced minstrel, with a grin so bright
on him that it will light up a room! Next to him in classic Hollywood
text it reads "Al Jolson, 1886-1950". Now let me draw
your attention to the klock hands which resemble his white gloved
minstrel hands, da detailing on dis klock be amazin'! Now to put
this klock totally over the top-on outside of the klock face is
a cartooned slice of watermelon (the coalition between blacks and
watermelon was a common stereotype of the day) that Al is longing
gazing at, it gives the whole image a 3/D illusion! Like Al did
with "The Jazz Singer"this klock will definitely get people
"talking"! |