The Singing Kid
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
William Keighley
Al Jolson
Sybil Jason
Beverly Roberts
Edward Everett Horton
Lyle Talbot
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Al Jackson is a musical star whose generosity is well known. His lack of interest in money and busy schedule allow his lawyer, Robert Carey, to steal millions from him. Dana Lawrence, his fiancée, has also benefitted from Al's money and plans to repay him by running off with Bob. Al learns about their betrayal when the Internal Revenue Service demands payment of back taxes. That night Al loses his voice during his performance, and his doctor recommends a long trip to the country. Accompanied by his valet, Davenport Rogers, and his driver, Joe, Al drives to Maine where he has rented a cottage. They meet a small girl named Sybil and learn that she has been living in the house. While they are getting acquainted, Ruth Haines, the landlady, arrives. She and Sybil, her niece, had planned to move out before Al arrived, but forgetful Davenport had never sent a telegram announcing their arrival. Because it is a large house, Al insists that they stay. Sybil enchants everyone, and the men take turns entertaining her while Ruth finishes the play she has been writing for three years. Al sends the play to a producer friend, and when he rejects it, Al sends him the money to buy Ruth's play. Ruth is humiliated when she learns the truth and insists that Al leave the house immediately. In the meantime, refreshed by his time away, Al has gotten his voice back and rehearsals start for a new show. On opening night, a contrite Ruth arrives with Sybil to beg Al's forgiveness, but is turned away at the stage door. Meanwhile, Al is calling Maine to talk to her. After learning that she has left town, he rushes off to meet the train and runs into Ruth and Sybil in the cab. Al and Ruth reconcile, after which Al leads her and Sybil to aisle seats as he begins the show.
Director
William Keighley
Cast
Al Jolson
Sybil Jason
Beverly Roberts
Edward Everett Horton
Lyle Talbot
Allen Jenkins
Claire Dodd
Jack Durant
Frank Mitchell
Winifred Shaw
Joseph King
Wm. Davidson
The Yacht Club Boys
Cab Calloway And His Band
Carol Hughes
Edward Keane
Tom Manning
Joseph Crehan
John Hale
Grady Sutton
Florence Lake
Emmett Vogan
Harry Seymour
Alma Lloyd
George Hickman
Roger Gray
Mary Treen
Hattie Mcdaniel
Don Downen
Irving Bacon
Otis Harlan
George Andre Beranger
Larry Kent
Cliff Saum
Milton Kibbee
Huey White
Mike Lally
Jerry Mandy
Luther Hoobyar
Joe Barton
Tom Mcguire
Bessie Lyle
Charles Sherlock
Gordon Elliott
Jayne Manners
Eunice Healy
Crew
Harold Arlen
George Barnes
Cab Calloway
Bobby Connolly
Warren Duff
Pat C. Flick
Leo F. Forbstein
Chuck Hansen
E. Y. Harburg
Ray Heindorf
William Keighley
Robert Lord
Robert Lord
Irving Mills
Orry-kelly
Thomas Richards
Jack L. Warner
Carl Weyl
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
Screenwriter Patsy Flick was Al Jolson's personal gag writer. According to a news item in February 11, 1937 Hollywood Reporter, Sidney Marks sued Warner Bros. for $10,000, claiming that he was not paid for work that he did on the story. It has not been determined what was the extent of his contribution to the final story.
