Rose of Washington Square

20th Century Fox, 1939
Starring Alice Faye, Tyrone Power, Al Jolson, and Joyce Compton
Directed by Gregory Ratoff
Music and Lyrics by various

This is another one in the series of musical melodramas Alice Faye did in the late 30's-early 40's, and like Lillian Russell, it has a real-life basis. How does the story of a singer who falls for a fast-talking gambler look today? Let's head to an amateur show to meet the title character and find out...

The Story: Rose Sargent (Faye) is a struggling singer working amateur nights in the early 1920's. She's discovered by minstrel performer Ted Cotter (Jolson), who takes her under his wing and gets her career started. He starts to fall for her, but she sees him as only a friend. Her eye is on handsome con-man and gambler Bart Clinton (Power). Ted knows that Bart is no good, but Rose can't help falling for and marrying him. When one of Bart's con victims finally sues him, he skips town after Ted puts up bail. Seeing his wife perform the passionate "My Man" makes him rethink his life and paying for his crimes.

The Song and Dance: The cast is the thing here. The story may be a load of melodrama, but they generally put it over well. This might not be a bad place to start if you want a taste of Jolson. He gets to sing some of his most famous numbers, including "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby" and "California, Here I Come." Power comes off a little better here as the charming scoundrel than he did in his previous go-around with Faye, Alexander's Ragtime Band.

Favorite Number: As mentioned, this may be a great way for newcomers to get to know Jolson. Not only do we get performances of songs like "My Mammy," but we also get to see his comedic chops when he has to deal with a drunk heckler in the audience. Faye's performance of the title song is the sole large-scale production number, complete with chorus and specialty dancers Velez and Yolanda doing a death-defying dance routine mid-way through.

Trivia: Three numbers were cut, Faye's solos of "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" and "I'll See You In My Dreams" and Jolson's medley of "April Showers" and "Avalon." Unlike a lot of cut numbers from older movies, all three exist and are included on the DVD as extras.

If the story seems like the life of Fannie Brice with different names, well, Fannie Brice thought so, too, and she wasn't happy. She sued 20th Century Fox for damages; the matter was settled out of court.

What I Don't Like: The story is as melodramatic as the later Funny Girl, but without that movie's epic numbers and splendid performances. Jolson is fine when he's singing, but is totally out of his element in some of the heavier dramatics. Honestly, Bart is such a jerk and a cad, I agree with Ted - I really don't understand why Rose sticks by him.

And yes, Jolson does most of his numbers in blackface. It was expected at the time, but it seems unnecessary at best today and offensive at worst.

The Big Finale: Heavy bit of melodrama given a bit of vitality by Jolson and Faye. May be fun for their fans and lovers of bittersweet romance.

Home Media: Out of print on solo DVD, but it can still be found on a Faye collection.

DVD
DVD: The Alice Faye Collection - Volume 2