WEBVTT 1 00:00:02.319 --> 00:00:06.559 Ladies and gentlemen of Americas. Tonight There's Roebuck and Company 2 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:10.800 continues the celebration of its fiftieth anniversary by presenting the 3 00:00:10.880 --> 00:00:14.080 third of a new series of programs dedicated to you, 4 00:00:14.880 --> 00:00:23.359 the people of Americas. 5 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:28.960 Cheers Then and Now. 6 00:00:31.879 --> 00:00:35.079 A Panorama of American Destiny, a review of the past 7 00:00:35.119 --> 00:00:38.520 fifty years through which Sears, Roebuck and Company has proudly 8 00:00:38.560 --> 00:00:40.000 grown up with America. 9 00:00:40.119 --> 00:00:41.840 Each week, Sears. 10 00:00:41.679 --> 00:00:44.880 Then and Now recreinates for you in music, in drama, 11 00:00:45.000 --> 00:00:48.320 in song, the unforgettable events of the past half century. 12 00:00:48.759 --> 00:00:54.320 Each week, motion picture stars, composers, singers, writers, the world's 13 00:00:54.359 --> 00:00:56.920 greatest talent will be brought to you by Sears. 14 00:00:57.240 --> 00:00:59.759 The Star where all America's shot. 15 00:01:03.159 --> 00:01:07.359 Seers Roebuck and Company is proud to present on Tonight's broadcast. 16 00:01:06.840 --> 00:01:12.760 David Wark, Griffith veteran director of Motion Picture effic, Walter Houston, 17 00:01:12.840 --> 00:01:18.159 International Stage and Screen Stars, and Al Jolson, America's greatest 18 00:01:18.200 --> 00:01:25.200 menstrel Our fiftieth Anniversary Sale ends Saturday. Only two days 19 00:01:25.239 --> 00:01:28.560 remain Tomorrow and Saturday, in which to take advantage of 20 00:01:28.599 --> 00:01:33.040 the unusual values on display in all Seers stores, we 21 00:01:33.079 --> 00:01:36.079 invite also our millions of mail order customers to shop 22 00:01:36.120 --> 00:01:38.920 from the pages of the Golden Jubilee editions of the 23 00:01:38.959 --> 00:01:43.480 Sears Robuckan Company Fall catalog. You can always shop at 24 00:01:43.560 --> 00:02:01.400 Sears and says. 25 00:01:54.400 --> 00:01:57.359 The story of America in the past fifty years is 26 00:01:57.400 --> 00:02:03.120 the story rich in glamor, courage, progress. America fifty years ago, 27 00:02:03.519 --> 00:02:06.599 a republic just one hundred years old, poised on a 28 00:02:06.640 --> 00:02:11.039 threshold of greatness. What influenced that vibrant young nation? What 29 00:02:11.159 --> 00:02:15.319 affected its thoughts, its manners, its morrows. There were no 30 00:02:15.400 --> 00:02:19.840 moving pictures, then, no radio, few magazines. The leaders of 31 00:02:19.919 --> 00:02:23.039 today learned much of the precepts of the good life 32 00:02:23.360 --> 00:02:27.080 from the mcguffie readers, which were the principal textbooks in. 33 00:02:27.120 --> 00:02:28.879 Every little red schoolhouse in the. 34 00:02:28.879 --> 00:02:37.199 Lands, and very often hidden behind the cover of mcguffi's 35 00:02:37.439 --> 00:02:40.599 Little Johnny would be sneaking a look at a dime novel. 36 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:44.319 You remember those paperback drillers of the eighties and nineties. 37 00:02:45.000 --> 00:02:46.240 They went something like this. 38 00:02:47.439 --> 00:02:52.039 The old sawmill was deserted. Suddenly the door flew open. 39 00:02:52.400 --> 00:02:55.639 The man in black, half supported, half dragged our. 40 00:02:55.639 --> 00:02:56.919 Heroin into the room. 41 00:02:57.479 --> 00:02:59.520 It was a matter of a few minutes before he 42 00:02:59.599 --> 00:03:02.319 had left her bound and gag body on a great 43 00:03:02.479 --> 00:03:03.439 log lying in. 44 00:03:03.439 --> 00:03:04.199 The middle track. 45 00:03:04.680 --> 00:03:08.360 With an eloquent gesture, he leaned over and untied the 46 00:03:08.439 --> 00:03:10.199 gag from her ruby lips. 47 00:03:11.360 --> 00:03:16.039 Well, be proud, beauty, Will you relent no horace bagsby, 48 00:03:16.560 --> 00:03:19.240 So a host of heavenly angel will to be teached me. 49 00:03:19.879 --> 00:03:20.680 I will not. 50 00:03:21.159 --> 00:03:23.879 I offer you my good name in marriage, I offer 51 00:03:23.919 --> 00:03:25.240 you wealth and position. 52 00:03:25.479 --> 00:03:29.719 I cannot I love another, and. 53 00:03:29.759 --> 00:03:34.199 That other will never see you again. One more chance, 54 00:03:34.319 --> 00:03:35.919 my lovely Matilda. 55 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:37.840 Rather death and dis honor. 56 00:03:40.039 --> 00:03:46.000 This grieves me indeed yonder saw sharp the machinery is infallable. 57 00:03:46.479 --> 00:03:50.240 I tear my Matilda, your minute our number. 58 00:03:50.199 --> 00:03:51.439 I defy you. 59 00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:55.000 Saw has but a scun twelve inches to go before 60 00:03:55.120 --> 00:03:57.400 it corects your lovely blonde Locke. 61 00:03:57.479 --> 00:03:58.520 You will answer to dig. 62 00:03:58.439 --> 00:04:02.520 Deare well for that ha that insul and puppy. 63 00:04:02.919 --> 00:04:04.159 He is miles away. 64 00:04:03.919 --> 00:04:05.599 In the hands of Mike and federicks. 65 00:04:05.800 --> 00:04:06.439 Ah. 66 00:04:06.719 --> 00:04:10.199 Just you and I hear, my lovely Matilda, You and 67 00:04:10.240 --> 00:04:13.759 I am loved by upon you a love You have 68 00:04:13.960 --> 00:04:15.599 but five seconds to two. 69 00:04:18.240 --> 00:04:24.120 Joos, and where you are horror thangby or you're a 70 00:04:24.160 --> 00:04:24.639 dead man? 71 00:04:24.920 --> 00:04:29.240 Oil me not a second too soon, Flash found Rob 72 00:04:29.519 --> 00:04:31.639 I know, Matilda, but that is all forgotten. 73 00:04:31.680 --> 00:04:35.199 Now Dick Carewell is by your side, never again to 74 00:04:35.279 --> 00:04:35.639 leave it. 75 00:04:36.199 --> 00:04:38.160 And as for Horace Begsby, I hold. 76 00:04:38.040 --> 00:04:40.399 In my pocket a warrant for his arrest for forgery, 77 00:04:40.920 --> 00:04:41.720 which will face. 78 00:04:41.639 --> 00:04:44.240 Him where he will no longer meddle in the lives 79 00:04:44.279 --> 00:04:45.319 of decent people. 80 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:52.720 On February sixteenth, eighteen ninety eight, a new war cry 81 00:04:52.879 --> 00:04:53.759 was born. 82 00:04:54.680 --> 00:04:56.360 First, it was a whisper, Remember. 83 00:04:56.399 --> 00:04:59.120 And a murmur and a mighty rumble that rolled across 84 00:04:59.160 --> 00:05:01.800 the land in Prarrian notes of summer thunder. 85 00:05:01.879 --> 00:05:04.399 Remember the name, remember land. 86 00:05:04.879 --> 00:05:09.399 From rising Sun Maryland to sunset Arizona, America. Remember the 87 00:05:09.480 --> 00:05:14.439 main rattle, the saber demanded war. Finally, on April twenty thirt, 88 00:05:14.439 --> 00:05:17.959 eighteen ninety eight, President McKinley was forced to issue his 89 00:05:18.079 --> 00:05:19.680 famous declaration. 90 00:05:19.439 --> 00:05:23.319 Of a State of War which now exists between these 91 00:05:23.480 --> 00:05:25.959 United States and Spain. 92 00:05:30.439 --> 00:05:33.560 And into the chambers of the President of the United States. 93 00:05:33.560 --> 00:05:38.240 On May sixth strodea square George Fearless American dynamic Assistant 94 00:05:38.240 --> 00:05:40.519 Secretary of the Navy Theodore Roosevelt. 95 00:05:40.800 --> 00:05:45.160 Mister Walter Houston plays the role of Theodore Roosevelt. Afternoon's 96 00:05:45.160 --> 00:05:48.319 President Good afternoon, mister Roosevelt. I got your message. You 97 00:05:48.360 --> 00:05:50.560 said it was rather urgent that you see me in. 98 00:05:50.600 --> 00:05:53.160 Is urgent, sir. I am simining to you. My resignation 99 00:05:53.240 --> 00:05:56.279 is assistant secretary of the Navy. You resignation, sir, But 100 00:05:56.480 --> 00:05:58.800 why it's the President. I have seen this war coming 101 00:05:58.800 --> 00:06:02.759 for months lack of cooperation, in spite of dismissal for insubordination, 102 00:06:03.199 --> 00:06:05.560 I have built the Navy up to fighting strength. My 103 00:06:05.680 --> 00:06:08.920 duty in your sub cabinet has been accomplashed. Now my 104 00:06:09.040 --> 00:06:10.680 country needs me Elsewhere. 105 00:06:10.240 --> 00:06:13.519 Where could you be more valuable than in the post you. 106 00:06:13.519 --> 00:06:16.240 Now occupy In Cuba? Sir, I am going to the 107 00:06:16.240 --> 00:06:19.920 war what way you're not? Seriously? I am. Cuba shall 108 00:06:19.959 --> 00:06:20.519 be free, but. 109 00:06:20.519 --> 00:06:23.839 A man with your talents will be infinitely more valuable 110 00:06:24.000 --> 00:06:25.399 here in Washington. 111 00:06:25.839 --> 00:06:29.839 Suppose a Spanish bullet or fever, or at Warser. A 112 00:06:29.920 --> 00:06:32.560 man who teaches the duty of fighting should be prepared 113 00:06:32.600 --> 00:06:34.879 to pay with his life when the time comes for 114 00:06:35.000 --> 00:06:38.160 the more. Mister President, my children are growing up. I 115 00:06:38.199 --> 00:06:40.680 want them to be fine Americans. I must set them 116 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:44.120 an example. But mister Roosevelt, I still feel I'm sorry, sir, 117 00:06:44.560 --> 00:06:46.680 but nothing you could say would this wade me. You 118 00:06:46.759 --> 00:06:50.399 must accept my resignation. I planned it all made. Colonel 119 00:06:50.439 --> 00:06:52.399 Lennard Wood has offered me the post of lieutenant colonel 120 00:06:52.399 --> 00:06:55.759 and his regiment. Today I am issuing a call for 121 00:06:55.879 --> 00:07:03.439 volunteers for the rough Riders. 122 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:07.040 Eddy Roosevelt Rough Riders caught the imagination of America from 123 00:07:07.079 --> 00:07:09.560 the furthest reaches of the land. They came to join 124 00:07:09.600 --> 00:07:13.639 this most unique of organizations. From the West came car punchers, ranchers, 125 00:07:13.759 --> 00:07:18.079 hunters and trappers. From the great Eastern cities came polo players, socialites, 126 00:07:18.319 --> 00:07:19.360 posit the athlete. 127 00:07:19.759 --> 00:07:20.439 And While the. 128 00:07:20.360 --> 00:07:23.480 Eager young regiment of volunteers were in training at Temple, Florida, 129 00:07:24.000 --> 00:07:26.759 Teddy Roosevelt slipped away to his home on Sagamore Hill 130 00:07:26.759 --> 00:07:30.120 in Oyster Bay, New York for a final farewell to 131 00:07:30.240 --> 00:07:31.279 his wife, Edith. 132 00:07:36.160 --> 00:07:39.720 It is goodbye, then, Theodore for a little while. 133 00:07:39.720 --> 00:07:41.279 He did, until we've won. 134 00:07:42.199 --> 00:07:42.800 But what if? 135 00:07:44.240 --> 00:07:44.639 What if? 136 00:07:44.680 --> 00:07:44.720 You? 137 00:07:46.800 --> 00:07:49.680 Edith, My dear, You must realize what every one of 138 00:07:49.680 --> 00:07:52.399 my boys have to face. I told them when they 139 00:07:52.480 --> 00:07:54.920 joined that this would be no picnic. I told him 140 00:07:54.959 --> 00:07:57.519 the place of honor is the post of danger, that 141 00:07:57.639 --> 00:08:00.680 each man must be prepared to die. Every one of 142 00:08:00.720 --> 00:08:03.560 those boys got what I meant. It was beautiful looking 143 00:08:03.560 --> 00:08:07.360 down on the anxious faces. Not a man faced. Suddenly 144 00:08:07.399 --> 00:08:10.399 we're cheering well with your Teddy. We're ready for anything 145 00:08:10.439 --> 00:08:13.920 you are. That's the way you must feel it. You've 146 00:08:13.959 --> 00:08:16.399 got to be ready for anything. 147 00:08:18.800 --> 00:08:24.360 I'm with you, fared off, I'm ready for anything you are. Bully, 148 00:08:25.399 --> 00:08:31.800 Bully before you go, dear, before you go, will you yes? 149 00:08:32.759 --> 00:08:37.039 Come with me, walk down the perfect me our pat 150 00:08:38.039 --> 00:08:41.879 through the woods, the way we used to when you 151 00:08:42.120 --> 00:08:42.600 ask me. 152 00:08:42.559 --> 00:08:43.159 To marry you. 153 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:53.039 The rest is off, told history rough rider Teddy Roosevelt 154 00:08:53.080 --> 00:08:56.200 blue poka dot handkerchief nodded Abody's neck, broad brimmed hat 155 00:08:56.240 --> 00:08:58.639 pushed up at the front, storming San Juan Hill at 156 00:08:58.639 --> 00:09:01.039 the head of his blue shirt had volunt while a 157 00:09:01.120 --> 00:09:03.720 ben far below spurred them on to the tune of 158 00:09:03.720 --> 00:09:10.919 the national anthem. Roosevelt, the governor, the Vice President, the President, 159 00:09:10.960 --> 00:09:14.799 all in rapid succession, Roosevelt wielding the big stake, changing 160 00:09:14.840 --> 00:09:19.759 our spellings, Theodore Roosevelt the Great American. After two terms 161 00:09:19.759 --> 00:09:21.879 in the White House, he went on to New Laurels, 162 00:09:22.000 --> 00:09:25.879 hunting big game in Africa, exploring in South America, fated 163 00:09:25.960 --> 00:09:34.159 by the crowned heads of Europe. When the inevitable Parade 164 00:09:34.159 --> 00:09:38.240 of Destiny crowded America into the World War, Theodore Roosevelt, 165 00:09:38.559 --> 00:09:42.679 ex president, ex soldier, was too old to service country 166 00:09:42.720 --> 00:09:46.519 at the front. He did the nobler thing. He sent 167 00:09:46.559 --> 00:09:56.519 his four sons to France. Late afternoon of July seventeenth, 168 00:09:56.720 --> 00:10:00.759 nineteen eighteen, Theodore Roosevelt sits alone in the living room 169 00:10:00.759 --> 00:10:02.600 of his home at Oyster Bay. 170 00:10:02.879 --> 00:10:04.600 A servant dancers. 171 00:10:05.080 --> 00:10:06.799 Did you did you range her? 172 00:10:06.919 --> 00:10:07.080 Yes? 173 00:10:07.200 --> 00:10:09.200 John? Where is Missus Rosevelt? 174 00:10:09.480 --> 00:10:11.919 Or she is upstairs? Uh, she'd be down shortly. 175 00:10:12.000 --> 00:10:13.919 I'm going out tonight. Got to make a speech, you know. 176 00:10:14.200 --> 00:10:16.879 He yeah, say hey, I got your clothes already to 177 00:10:17.080 --> 00:10:19.159 thank you John. And he let us come from the 178 00:10:19.200 --> 00:10:22.639 boys today. Who, yes, sir, Missus Roosevelt, she got them? 179 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:25.120 What do they say? Oh? They do and find her? 180 00:10:25.480 --> 00:10:28.360 They still fighting bravely, sir, and and all of them 181 00:10:28.360 --> 00:10:29.159 feeling in the base. 182 00:10:29.200 --> 00:10:29.519 Sit here. 183 00:10:29.600 --> 00:10:32.720 I'm fine. I must write them before I leave tonight. Yes, 184 00:10:33.679 --> 00:10:34.919 who excuse me, sir? 185 00:10:35.279 --> 00:10:41.080 H the door, Michael Meist Roosevelt. 186 00:10:41.200 --> 00:10:45.559 Thank you, it's uh, it's for you, sir, Thank you. 187 00:10:45.679 --> 00:10:45.879 John. 188 00:10:52.360 --> 00:10:59.720 Oh God, he bad news sir, Lieutenant Quinton Roosevelt's play. Well, 189 00:10:59.840 --> 00:11:02.960 just today inside the enemy mines he was. 190 00:11:03.360 --> 00:11:05.759 What do you think he had all all prepared for 191 00:11:05.840 --> 00:11:11.279 your speech to know why? What's the matter? 192 00:11:13.080 --> 00:11:18.120 Eaedith ay, I just got a message from France. 193 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:21.039 Which one. 194 00:11:22.360 --> 00:11:27.000 Quentin Quentin, my son. 195 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:30.559 Quentin see. 196 00:11:32.600 --> 00:11:37.840 On the field of battle for us, eaith for all 197 00:11:37.879 --> 00:11:40.960 of us, for his country. 198 00:11:42.080 --> 00:11:45.559 Crimpton, my youngest. 199 00:11:47.120 --> 00:11:52.279 Lead, Please eat it, my dear, come with me down 200 00:11:52.360 --> 00:11:57.240 the path once more, our past, the way we used 201 00:11:57.240 --> 00:11:59.919 to when I asked you to marry me a lot 202 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:07.159 long time ago. 203 00:12:09.000 --> 00:12:14.039 So it was then, nearly twenty years ago. Now today, 204 00:12:14.879 --> 00:12:18.679 laughing children pausing in their play quenched their thirst at 205 00:12:18.679 --> 00:12:22.159 a drinking fountain in the French village of Terran Tardenois. 206 00:12:23.039 --> 00:12:27.799 Nearby is the grave of Quentin Roosevelt, American aviator, And 207 00:12:27.919 --> 00:12:31.039 across the base of the fountain, in the language the 208 00:12:31.120 --> 00:12:36.559 children cannot read, is an inscription written by that aviator's father. 209 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:43.200 Only those are fit to live who do not fear 210 00:12:43.279 --> 00:12:48.279 to die, and none is fit to die who has 211 00:12:48.360 --> 00:12:52.840 shrunk from the joy of life. Both life and death 212 00:12:53.960 --> 00:13:00.159 are parts of a great adventure. My son was a toy. 213 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:03.279 Who dared that great adventure. 214 00:13:07.440 --> 00:13:10.759 In nineteen three, a curious America was crowding to Nickelodeon 215 00:13:10.879 --> 00:13:13.519 to gauk at the first moving picture that told the 216 00:13:13.600 --> 00:13:16.919 story the Great Train Robbery, complete in a rail and 217 00:13:16.960 --> 00:13:19.720 a half. No one in those dubious days took this 218 00:13:19.799 --> 00:13:22.960 new fad seriously. No one thought it was here to 219 00:13:23.000 --> 00:13:26.759 stay until a young man became possessed with his possibilities, 220 00:13:27.240 --> 00:13:30.759 a man whom, more than any other individual, is responsible 221 00:13:30.799 --> 00:13:36.000 for the modern motion picture. Today, American movies influenced the mammers, 222 00:13:36.039 --> 00:13:40.320 the thoughts, and the customs of the entire world. Much 223 00:13:40.320 --> 00:13:43.519 of this influence is due to the vision and industry 224 00:13:43.759 --> 00:13:47.519 of this picture pioneer then and now is proud to 225 00:13:47.519 --> 00:13:52.960 present David Art Griffeths Motion Pictures First great Director. 226 00:13:54.039 --> 00:13:58.240 Good evening, everybody. Let's go back now, way back to 227 00:13:58.399 --> 00:14:01.879 nineteen ten. I was directing one wheelers for the old 228 00:14:01.919 --> 00:14:05.799 Biograph Company in fourteenth Street, New York when I engaged 229 00:14:05.840 --> 00:14:09.600 a little Irish girl, Mary Pickford by name, at twenty 230 00:14:09.799 --> 00:14:13.720 five bucks a week, a star salary in those days, 231 00:14:14.080 --> 00:14:16.440 where a few years later she wouldn't have winked an 232 00:14:16.440 --> 00:14:18.559 eyelash when millions were mentioned. 233 00:14:18.799 --> 00:14:19.559 Oh that movies. 234 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:27.320 But from my memory book comes names in legions Charlie Chaplin, 235 00:14:27.720 --> 00:14:32.200 Max Sennett, Glorious Swanson, right down to the gracious start 236 00:14:32.279 --> 00:14:36.080 of the day Lovely Nor I'm a shadder while she 237 00:14:36.120 --> 00:14:39.399 began as an extra girl in my production way down East. 238 00:14:40.320 --> 00:14:42.799 Production costs in the old days only ran from sixty 239 00:14:42.840 --> 00:14:46.039 five per picture all the way up to a colossal 240 00:14:46.120 --> 00:14:49.519 figure of five hundred dollars for one picture. 241 00:14:50.279 --> 00:14:52.919 But I had a dream, a dream of a. 242 00:14:52.919 --> 00:14:56.799 Long picture that might run all of an hour. I 243 00:14:56.879 --> 00:15:00.200 dreamt of getting parallel action. Motion picture action is stead 244 00:15:00.200 --> 00:15:03.679 of imitating the stage. In nineteen fourteen, I sold the idea. 245 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:07.759 It was real pioneering and it was real fun. I 246 00:15:07.879 --> 00:15:10.840 used hundreds of extras, I experimented with a camera. I 247 00:15:10.879 --> 00:15:12.840 brought the actress close into the lands for one are 248 00:15:12.879 --> 00:15:17.159 now called close ups. We introduced fade Out's dissolved inventions, 249 00:15:17.200 --> 00:15:19.480 if you want to call them, without which the modern 250 00:15:19.519 --> 00:15:22.759 picture couldn't be made. A young fellow named Wallace Reed 251 00:15:23.639 --> 00:15:30.919 and a young girl Praise Delicate Lillian Geese were in the cast, 252 00:15:32.000 --> 00:15:35.799 and Mae Marsh. 253 00:15:34.240 --> 00:15:34.960 And Henry B. 254 00:15:35.120 --> 00:15:35.679 Walthall. 255 00:15:37.159 --> 00:15:39.679 That picture was the birth of the Nations. 256 00:15:40.519 --> 00:15:43.320 It cost one hundred and ten thousand dollars to make 257 00:15:43.879 --> 00:15:47.720 talk about colossals stupendous, terrific. Why it was all of 258 00:15:47.759 --> 00:15:53.440 them at least in costs. I didn't dare to face 259 00:15:53.519 --> 00:15:56.200 our backers. But the show went out on the road 260 00:15:56.519 --> 00:15:59.519 and played in the best theories in America at two 261 00:15:59.559 --> 00:16:02.519 dollars ahead when Nichols for the price of our other 262 00:16:02.559 --> 00:16:05.320 pictures of the day. I tell you, even my own 263 00:16:05.440 --> 00:16:08.639 enthusiasm for the idea never caed me to those heights 264 00:16:08.879 --> 00:16:12.840 which the public, God bless them, placed on the twelfth 265 00:16:12.919 --> 00:16:17.519 reel three hour picture. So who can blame me when 266 00:16:17.559 --> 00:16:21.240 I say I am really most deeply grateful to the 267 00:16:21.240 --> 00:16:25.039 motion picture business which gave me the opportunity to make 268 00:16:25.080 --> 00:16:28.879 this production, and to you, the people who accepted it. 269 00:16:29.360 --> 00:16:32.039 I am grateful to the same source for the opportunity 270 00:16:32.120 --> 00:16:35.759 to make my first talking picture, Abraham Lincoln, which starred 271 00:16:35.759 --> 00:16:39.399 that great actor Walter Houston, whom you heard just a 272 00:16:39.399 --> 00:16:45.399 few minutes ago, doubly grateful because it presented me, the 273 00:16:45.440 --> 00:16:49.360 son of a Confederate general, the opportunity to pay honor 274 00:16:49.399 --> 00:16:56.000 to that really great American Abraham Lincoln. Pardon me to you, 275 00:16:56.840 --> 00:17:02.679 my friend, Thanks, Thanks, for these few minutes of reminiscence. 276 00:17:03.399 --> 00:17:05.759 I'll value them always. 277 00:17:06.319 --> 00:17:08.720 Thank you, mister Griffith American. 278 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:12.960 Through the magic of your direction, you revolutionized motion pictures, 279 00:17:13.240 --> 00:17:15.559 and you've carved a niche for yourself. 280 00:17:15.359 --> 00:17:25.160 In History's Hall of Fame. In the city of Washington. 281 00:17:25.200 --> 00:17:29.000 Before the turn of the century occurred an unheralded, unpublicized 282 00:17:29.039 --> 00:17:31.039 event to a family named Joson. 283 00:17:31.079 --> 00:17:34.240 The son was born. They called him Asa, but to you. 284 00:17:34.359 --> 00:17:38.160 And the world, he's known as Al Al Jolson, America's 285 00:17:38.200 --> 00:17:42.240 greatest minstrel. Tonight, Al Jolson himself reviews the past twenty 286 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:44.680 five American years and the songs he introduced to the land. 287 00:17:45.079 --> 00:17:47.319 Let's go back to then, back to nineteen eleven, when 288 00:17:47.359 --> 00:17:49.759 young Al Jolson appeared in Honeymoon Express singing. 289 00:17:50.160 --> 00:17:53.720 Blesten to me while I tell you of the Spaniard 290 00:17:53.720 --> 00:17:58.880 who enlighted me life, bless to me, while I tell 291 00:17:58.920 --> 00:18:01.680 you of the man who stole my future wife. 292 00:18:01.920 --> 00:18:04.359 And two years later, in nineteen thirteen, it was. 293 00:18:05.160 --> 00:18:07.839 You, mar me, love you. 294 00:18:08.480 --> 00:18:10.000 I didn't want to do it. 295 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:11.839 I didn't want to do it. 296 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:15.079 In nineteen fifteen, Tin Pannelle's affection for the old Southern 297 00:18:15.079 --> 00:18:17.279 home was growing and Joson was singing. 298 00:18:18.440 --> 00:18:23.559 Ah, am I my baby, where that Gigsie Well? 299 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:31.839 Then came the war and Hello Santro Jimmy Norman's. In 300 00:18:31.960 --> 00:18:34.440 nineteen nineteen, a young fellow named George Gershman wrote his 301 00:18:34.480 --> 00:18:36.720 first hit, and al Joson sang it in the musical 302 00:18:36.759 --> 00:18:37.680 shows in Bed. 303 00:18:38.759 --> 00:18:40.640 Juannie, How I Love you? 304 00:18:40.799 --> 00:18:41.440 How I love you? 305 00:18:41.599 --> 00:18:47.400 My dear old Sannie, I give a whirl, I'm bun 306 00:18:47.599 --> 00:18:48.720 up here. 307 00:18:49.720 --> 00:18:52.200 The following year, Joson himself wrote a song about a 308 00:18:52.200 --> 00:18:53.920 lovely bay off the California coast. 309 00:18:54.000 --> 00:18:56.480 I'm fine, Am I law? 310 00:18:57.000 --> 00:18:59.000 And am a law? 311 00:19:00.039 --> 00:19:02.359 Ah long? 312 00:19:03.680 --> 00:19:14.119 And in nineteen twenty one came man just turn kind, 313 00:19:14.240 --> 00:19:17.400 see just and kind? Where what I know? 314 00:19:17.440 --> 00:19:20.160 For half that turn kind bes. 315 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:23.920 Al Joson was once built as a singer from the 316 00:19:23.920 --> 00:19:26.680 Golden West. He always believed in Horace Greeley's advice, and 317 00:19:26.720 --> 00:19:28.680 finally he took it. The result was the song of 318 00:19:28.720 --> 00:19:30.079 his own composition. 319 00:19:30.079 --> 00:19:34.839 Hella far Yeah You're right right back where right start? 320 00:19:35.200 --> 00:19:37.759 Brown to California he went. 321 00:19:37.839 --> 00:19:40.559 In nineteen twenty eight, when Hollywood was finding his voice, 322 00:19:40.759 --> 00:19:43.039 the Warner Brothers brought him on to sing in their 323 00:19:43.039 --> 00:19:45.480 first full length sound picture, of the jazz singer. That 324 00:19:45.599 --> 00:19:48.640 show made history, and al Joson was signed for another picture, 325 00:19:48.759 --> 00:19:51.640 the first musical film. It was called The Singing Pool, 326 00:19:52.039 --> 00:19:54.039 but the world remembers it more often by the title 327 00:19:54.039 --> 00:20:02.240 of the hit song Sonny Boy, I'll Jolson recalls for 328 00:20:02.279 --> 00:20:05.079 you now that unforgettable scene from The Singing Pool. You 329 00:20:05.119 --> 00:20:08.440 remember the story howel Stone, owner and MC of a 330 00:20:08.440 --> 00:20:10.680 Broadway night spot, is giving all he's got to the 331 00:20:10.680 --> 00:20:13.039 New Year's Eve crowd in his club while he keeps an. 332 00:20:13.000 --> 00:20:13.599 Eye on the table. 333 00:20:13.640 --> 00:20:16.279 He is reserved for his beloved wife, Molly, Molly, who 334 00:20:16.279 --> 00:20:18.319 has given him a son, but who has given him 335 00:20:18.519 --> 00:20:19.240 little love. 336 00:20:20.359 --> 00:20:21.319 A little sister, Craine. 337 00:20:21.319 --> 00:20:24.119 I hate fay away from you. No where can sellout 338 00:20:24.160 --> 00:20:27.640 carry make me hello, bo, call up rite me well 339 00:20:28.160 --> 00:20:33.119 len here Hello, what the day my lover? 340 00:20:34.079 --> 00:20:35.279 Give you young girl letter? 341 00:20:35.519 --> 00:20:38.240 And you know I'm in Gail cap here here hat 342 00:20:38.400 --> 00:20:40.599 very stare he. 343 00:20:42.079 --> 00:20:44.440 By that happy? 344 00:20:44.720 --> 00:20:45.759 How big your party? 345 00:20:45.839 --> 00:20:48.000 Mister Shorn, My dear, is your lady on your wire? 346 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:49.799 She said? It is very important? 347 00:20:49.799 --> 00:20:51.359 Thanks, Henry, I know where it is. 348 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:52.960 It's Molly, my wife. 349 00:20:53.319 --> 00:20:54.720 I've been waiting for Carl on evening. 350 00:20:54.759 --> 00:21:00.359 He is, Yeah, Hey, which phone Henry's in the Who say, Dolly, 351 00:21:00.759 --> 00:21:01.880 I be loved by all evening? 352 00:21:02.359 --> 00:21:04.200 It's almost mother, almost. 353 00:21:03.920 --> 00:21:05.000 Midnight, almost New Years. 354 00:21:05.319 --> 00:21:11.400 You're coming down, aren't sir? I can't hear your dolly. 355 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:15.519 There's so much annoy here, Molly donny. Can't we start 356 00:21:15.559 --> 00:21:17.799 all over again? Why does the government cabin come on 357 00:21:17.880 --> 00:21:18.160 down here? 358 00:21:18.839 --> 00:21:19.119 Honey? 359 00:21:19.200 --> 00:21:22.000 Listen, I'll make what I'll make you resolution is, and 360 00:21:22.039 --> 00:21:23.680 if you want it, you're gonna make her somebody yourself. 361 00:21:26.200 --> 00:21:27.920 Wait a minute, honey, Wait, I see I can get 362 00:21:27.920 --> 00:21:30.519 your dark clothes if I can't hear a word yesterday now, 363 00:21:30.680 --> 00:21:33.240 but listen, can you hear this? I love your dolly, 364 00:21:33.400 --> 00:21:34.519 I love you a hurt. 365 00:21:36.079 --> 00:21:38.000 There, I got the dark clothes, honey. 366 00:21:38.400 --> 00:21:39.680 Now I can hear your sweet voice. 367 00:21:39.720 --> 00:21:45.440 This is Mary married, come mad, and I've. 368 00:21:45.279 --> 00:21:47.200 Been saying all those lovely things to you. What do 369 00:21:47.279 --> 00:21:47.960 you want? Married? 370 00:21:48.160 --> 00:21:48.799 Jo left? 371 00:21:48.920 --> 00:21:51.160 Sure, she's left, probably got in the cab to come 372 00:21:51.200 --> 00:21:51.480 here at this. 373 00:21:52.160 --> 00:21:53.720 She packed your bags and we's away with. 374 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:58.119 She went away with. It is a swelling New Year's 375 00:21:58.119 --> 00:21:58.519 Eve for me. 376 00:21:58.880 --> 00:22:03.960 See he come home with one, come home, come home. 377 00:22:05.039 --> 00:22:05.680 That's a laugh. 378 00:22:06.160 --> 00:22:10.599 What's there for me to come home for? He's running 379 00:22:10.599 --> 00:22:11.279 a high fever. 380 00:22:12.440 --> 00:22:16.200 He he's calling for me, sunny boys calling for me. 381 00:22:16.960 --> 00:22:19.720 All right, Mary, look, get the doctor, get any doctor, 382 00:22:19.759 --> 00:22:20.440 the beg you can get. 383 00:22:20.720 --> 00:22:22.319 I'll be home as quick as a cat can get me. 384 00:22:22.440 --> 00:22:27.599 There have been new year out? 385 00:22:27.799 --> 00:22:28.000 Yeah? 386 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:29.720 Thanks home about another bug out? 387 00:22:29.759 --> 00:22:32.720 How about you know that you can't grace I I'm 388 00:22:32.720 --> 00:22:37.920 I'm in an alco hurry, yeah, yeah, I have been 389 00:22:37.960 --> 00:22:38.359 you here? 390 00:22:46.839 --> 00:22:47.759 How is he now, Mary? 391 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:49.519 Not much change of the tune. 392 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:51.279 The doctor's in there with him now. 393 00:22:53.200 --> 00:22:57.279 Good evening, mister Stone, Well if he can just get 394 00:22:57.359 --> 00:22:58.000 through the night. 395 00:22:58.680 --> 00:23:00.920 Stabties about a sunny boy. 396 00:23:01.839 --> 00:23:05.119 I missed you, Daddy, something awful. 397 00:23:05.759 --> 00:23:07.279 He's been so fretful. 398 00:23:08.039 --> 00:23:11.359 If he could only get a good night's rest, what's 399 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:12.440 n't matter, sunny boy? 400 00:23:13.400 --> 00:23:14.440 Can't you go to sleep? 401 00:23:14.880 --> 00:23:17.839