The Singing Fool
Seen it?1928 | 102 min | Drama, Music
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It made about 15 times its budget, though it had little lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- A natural pick for anyone who likes a story with a soundtrack worth keeping and music lovers. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. Sits nicely alongside Yankee Doodle Dandy or Dreamgirls.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Quiet, then quietly devastating, at 1 hr 42 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1928: an older pace and style.
- Not the one if you want explosions or easy laughs.
After years of hopeful struggle, waiter and aspiring singer-songwriter Al Stone is on his way. He gets his huge break on a magical night when his song wows big-time producer Louis Marcus and gold-digging showgirl Molly, whom Al fancies. Broadway success and marriage follow, but sure enough, hard times are on the way.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsNot counted
Not enough reviews on record yet
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerStrong
$6 million worldwide on a $388K budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 13K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Lloyd Bacon
- Al JolsonAl Stone
- Betty BronsonGrace
- Josephine DunnMolly Winton
- Arthur HousmanBlackie Joe
- Reed HowesJohn Perry
- Davey LeeSonny Boy
- Edward MartindelLouis Marcus
- Robert Emmett O'ConnorCafe Owner Bill
- Helen LynchMaid
- Agnes Franey'Balloon' Girl