Following the sensational success of Columbia's The Jolson Story (1946), Warner Bros. decided that Al Jolson's revived fame was a good reason to reissue this film. Although there were no changes or censor cuts, Warners did make up new opening credits, which added the famous later Warner "fanfare" and gave Jolson solo over-the-title billing. (Originally he and Ruby Keeler had both been given star billing. She was now listed in smaller print, with the rest of the supporting cast.) Additionally, the studio added a written prologue to make sure audiences knew that the story was set back in the long-ago and far-away time of 1935.
This was the only film that Al Jolson and Ruby Keeler made together during their 12-year marriage, which lasted from 1928 to 1940.
An additional Harry Warren and Al Dubin song ("Whittlin' My Wood") was written for this picture, but was cut from the final print.
The $16.85 Al is charged for one bottle of champagne at the Shim Sham Cafe would equate to over $362 in 2022.
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