Rose of Washington Square

Fanny Brice sued (and won big money) over the clear references to her own life, and Alice Faye is not the person to do justice to the song "My Man" (see Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl" if you want real emotion) but this is still an engrossing film with Al Jolson performing some of his signature somgs.Faye adds little to the role of a Ziegfeld star who marries poorly, but her likeability is all that is needed. Tyrone Power is all charm and attempts to add some substance to his role as a neer-do-well gambler. There's also Bill Frawley of I Love Lucy fame in a small role, but for me the film is an unequalled chance to see Al Jolson at his very best. Jolson avoids the over-acting of his earlier starring films (near the end of his film career, he accepted third billing here) but then no one watches Jolson in films for the acting.I guess something has to be said about blackface here. For anyone under 50 it's use must seem offensive at best and racist at worst. For people (white people) of Jolson's generation and earlier, it was an established and generally unquestioned theatrical convention. Jolson himself was not racist or even slightly predjudiced, which makes it ironic that the use of blackface which so enhanced his performances during his lifetime should cause his films and his legacy to be almost totally erased from the consciousness of later generations.See the film. The story is compelling if a bit treacly and Alice Faye sings several songs sweetly (try saying that seven times quickly.) And if you like Jolson, he is at his very best.

In spite of the billing, this remains Al Jolson’s film with the other two leads mere costars. At every opportunity, Jolson effortlessly stands out. Alice Faye on the other hand, comes across slightly abrasive as she tries to act like a tough gal working in speakeasies. Meanwhile, Tyrone Power chews (on what isn’t made clear) his way through all his scenes, looking unreasonably handsome. He’s a charmer and a ne’er-do-well, who readily hoodwinks all and sundry including gullible singer Rose Sargent (Alice Faye). The songs are fabulous, even Power’s sings! Faye manages not to screw up the title tune and My Man (Fanny Brice’s signature song). If only Jolson didn’t do so many of his songs in blackface, to an all white audience (as evidenced in all the over the shoulder shots of him on stage). I’ve never understood or appreciated minstrel shows. Regardless, this remains a very entertaining musical.

This movie used to appear on television from time to time and I couldn't wait to see it when I was a kid in the 1960's. Now with this video edition, complete with deleted musical scenes, Al Jolson is a joy to watch. Alice Faye and Tyrone Power were originally given this as a vehicle, and Al Jolson's career was at a low point. He was thrown a bone and was given an oppourtunity to appear alongside these two other fine actors. When reviewers first previewed the movie they said Jolson stole the movie from the other two. The Jolson stage sequences are PURE MAGIC. When filming The Jolson Story in 1945, it is said Larry Parks picked up alot of Jolson's way of putting over a song by studying this movie. Take a look at California Here I Come and compare it to Parks' remarkable version in the latter movie. When this video first came out I was amused that it was part of the Alice Faye collection. I like Alice Faye, but lets be serious. This movie is JOLSON, JOLSON, JOLSON from beginning to end.

This is an excellent movie musical from the 20th Fox studio, which made excellent movie musicals. Fox made all those great musicals with John Payne and Alice Faye, until she got supplanted by Betty Grable, whom I am a huge fan of.The title refers to Alice Faye as Rose of Washington Square, in this film that is very loosely based on the life of Fanny Brice. See “Funny Girl” if you are looking for a Fanny Brice Bio.But, this film stands on its own merits without knowing anything about Fanny. Alice Faye may be the star but it's Al Jolson that almost outshines her with some great show-stopping numbers: "Rock-a-Bye Your Baby with Dixie Melody" and "California, Here I Come."So come for Alice Faye and Tyrone Power, and stay for Al Jolson.

Fun to watch. Subtitles are accurate for the dialogue. Alice Faye was great!

I am a fan of Alice Faye and of old movie musicals with quality content. This musical also stars Al Jolson, and Tyrone Power.The plot is somewhat loosely based on the life of vaudeville performer, Fanny Brice.There are as well many good songs.

I have not seen many of Alice Faye's movies only Rose of Washington Square, and Alexander's Ragtime Band, and I am amazed by both. Alice Faye is one of those actress who transend time. Her skills in singing, dancing, and acting can be placed in any time period and be relevant. This movie Rose of Washington Square about Fannie Brice could not have been done better (even by Fannie Brice).Alice could only live and act at a certain place in time but her movies are ageless to be enjoyed for generations.

This is an old-fashioned musical. They took a story about a woman who moves up in show biz with the help of a con man that loves her. They marry and he gets in trouble with the law. A good storyline but a difficult one to stretch into a full movie. Al Jolson is added to liven up the film. DOES HE EVER! I like this movie. I can see it often now.

This is a great old movie, billed as fictional, it must have been too close to the truth because Fanny Brice won a lawsuit against the studio and its stars, including Al Jolsen, for invasion of privacy. The DVD includes several interviews of those involved with Fanny and the stars of the movie. Viewed on a 10 foot screen with a 1080P projector the sound and picture were exceptional.