Swanee River

There are a lot of negative reviews for this movie, mostly due to scenes that are dark. That being said, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I first saw this movie on television decades ago and wanted to see if it was available on DVD but didn't remember what the movie's title was. I knew Al Jolson was in it so I looked under The Jolson Story and eventually came across what I hoped was the movie I had been searching for for so long. I watched it and was well pleased to find the movie I had been searching for..The movie may not be completely historically accurate but it includes several of Stephen Foster's songs that Al Jolson sings. The movie ends with what is assumed to be Foster's last song, "Swanee River." However, I have always been led to believe the last song he wrote was "Beautiful Dreamer."Despite the misgivings of various reviewers here if you enjoy Stephen Foster's songs I think you will enjoy this movie. I enjoy his songs and I didn't let the listed defects in the movie ruin it for me. In addition I have always enjoyed Al Jolson.

Fans of Stephen Foster know there were three bio-pics made of his life. Released in 1939, "Swanee River" was the first. I like Don Ameche as an actor, however, there's not much opportunity in the film for Ameche to portray the drama and deep moods that Foster experienced. For example, there's not much drama when Foster's wife and child leave him, nor does the film effectively show his slide into drinking. This could be more a product of the times; not everything was as graphic and explicit as in today's movies. In addition, most of the support roles are somewhat forgetable. The noted exception was Al Jolson. It's fun to see him have so much screen time, doing what he did best. His recreation of a mintrel show was entertaining and informative. At the time of the movie's release, minstrel shows may not have been the most popular form of entertainment, but they would have still been familiar to many people.Several reviews mention bad transfers, including scenes being too dark, or too light. My copy played fine.The movie doesn't have the realism that contemporary audiences are use to, but Foster fans will appreciate how the songs are highlighted. In fact, sometimes it seemed like the makers of the film tried to write scenes as an excuse to include certain songs. Also, the film "tweaks" the facts a little, but then the film is far from a documentary and meant as way to feature Foster's many well known songs. The movie may not be entertaining to everyone, and I gave it a 5 more out of repect for Foster's legacy.

The color print on this for "Fox Classic" is awfully dark. Some one should have checked the negative and done something about it. I've read other people's comments about some of the other fox reissues and that shouldn't be tolerated. The plot is pretty humdrum and hackneyed. Ameche plays Foster. He writes songs Al Jolson playing E.P. Christy sings them well, but if you have trouble with minstrel shows with people in black face and find it a dreadful stereotype, you might be offended even though it is historically accurate. Foster drinks himself to an early grave. Jolson saves the movie and only wears blackface when he is performing, not in the dramatic scenes

I had been looking for this film for years and was delighted to see that 20th Century Fox had finally realeased it. Plus, as I had only ever seen it on a black & white television, it was a pleasant surprise to see that it was in technicolor. Unfortunately, my delight was severely muted by the poor transfer. As other reviewers have remarked, the picture is dark, and, on my copy, the sound in several places has undertones that I can only describe as large marbles running along wooden planks.A great movie like this deserves better treatment.

While parts of this movie may trouble those who have difficulty viewing performances in historic context, Al Jolson gives a wonderful performance as E P Christie, and shadows over Don Ameche and the rest of the cast. The story is primarily fiction, as are most film biographies, but the music is the real star, and it does not disappoint. .

The color of this print is fairly acceptable for themost part, until the last 20 minutes or so where the scenesbecome very dark and the colors are flat and washed out.By comparison, Do You Love Me, Nob Hill andSweet Rosie O'Grady look great.Regarding 20th Century Fox Cinema Archives dvds:I urge everyone to contact 20th Century Foxto tell them that pan and scan releasesof widescreen films is not acceptable...Also, you might want to urge them to improve thepicture quality of their Cinema Archive releases,especially the color films...888. 223. 4369

Very Good Rare Film Of Al Jolson's

Great old movie!

Good hour and half light entertainment on Hollywood's take on the life of Steven Foster [90% historically inaccurate] with Al Jolson in the part that was written for him as it shows Jolson in his most flamboyant self. If you are a Jolson fan -are there any still living- this is a must have movie.

Love this movie. Hadn't seen it for many years and I was pleased to be able to get it on DVD. Pay no attention to the 'its too dark' comments on the other reviews. Some scenes are dark because they are meant to be, but not because the print is bad. Beautiful color too.

Well produced film Al Jolson made it perfect

Very dated by today's standards but I liked it very much. First saw it as a child. I am fairly sure that in the version I remember, Jolson sang Beautiful Dreamer. Don Ameche is always worth a look. Worth being reminded of a song writer long before Berlin or Porter.

I always go for the old films, as they have a decent storyline and are not like the modern rubbish.