Sequels That Pick Up From Precisely Where Their Prequels Left Off
When it comes to movie sequels, many filmmakers prefer to start with a recap of the events from the previous film. However, there are exceptions to this rule that capture the audience's interest by picking up right where the original film left off, without any unnecessary backstories. One such example is the 1949 film 'Jolson Sings Again,' which directly follows the events of its 1946 predecessor, 'The Jolson Story.'
A Bio Pic of Al Jolson: 'The Jolson Story'
In 1946, Warner Bros. released 'The Jolson Story,' a biopic about Al Jolson, a legendary entertainer and performer. The film stars Larry Parks as the character-based on Al Jolson, recounting his journey from a young person dreaming of stardom in vaudeville to the 'World's Greatest Entertainer.' The movie captures his rise to fame, his marriage to Ruby Keeler (played as Julie Benson), and his eventual decision to leave the showbiz life to satisfy his wife's wishes.
The Rise and Fall of a Star
The narrative of the original 'Jolson Story' climaxes with an iconic scene at a nightclub. Al Jolson, realizing the joy singing brings, impresses the audience and is given free reign to perform. The film ends with Al Jolson singing passionately, with his wife finally recognizing the joy he derives from performing. This scene left audiences wanting to know what happens after Jolson's return to the spotlight.
After the release of 'The Jolson Story,' the film achieved unexpected success, becoming the biggest box office hit of the year. It won several Academy Awards and earned critical acclaim, securing Al Jolson's return to stardom in a way that was unprecedented at the time. Sales of his recorded songs skyrocketed, and he became a guest star on popular radio shows, solidifying his status as one of the top entertainers alongside figures like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
The Next Chapter: 'Jolson Sings Again'
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In 1949, Columbia Pictures capitalized on Jolson's resurgence with 'Jolson Sings Again.' The sequel stars the same cast, resuming immediately from the final scene of the original film. The movie begins at the nightclub where Jolson performed passionately, indicating that the narrative continues directly from where it left off. Here, the story delves into Jolson's further exploits in the entertainment industry, detail his eventual 'burnout' and decision to leave the stage permanently.
However, the film takes a dramatic turn in its final act. It follows Jolson's journey from a lifeless existence back to a purposeful one as part of the USO, entertaining soldiers during World War II. He faces a significant health issue during one of these shows, and he is flown back to the U.S. to be hospitalized, leaving his singing career behind once more.
While recovering in the hospital, Jolson meets a young nurse, falls in love, and they eventually marry. After his discharge, he and his wife relocate to Los Angeles, content to live out the rest of Jolson's life in retirement.
A notable aspect of 'Jolson Sings Again' is its continuation of the narrative without any introductory recaps. This straightforward approach attracted considerable attention and acclaim, making it a unique and memorable example of a sequel.
Why This Approach Works
The direct continuation of the narrative in 'Jolson Sings Again' works for several reasons. First, it appeals to the expectations of audiences who enjoyed the original film. Instead of flashbacks or repeated backstory, viewers are given a continuation of the story they loved. Additionally, it maintains the momentum of the narrative without redundancy, making it feel fresh and engaging.
This approach also demonstrates the power of a strong character arc. 'Jolson Sings Again' follows the natural progression of Jolson's life, showing him embracing and then leaving the spotlight, eventually finding a new purpose. This narrative arc adds depth and complexity to the character portrayal, making the story more compelling.
Conclusion
Sequels that pick up from where their prequels left off, such as 'Jolson Sings Again,' offer a unique viewing experience. They provide a seamless and satisfying continuation of a narrative that has already captured an audience's attention. By avoiding unnecessary recaps, such films maintain the momentum and emotional investment of the original.
Ultimately, the success of 'Jolson Sings Again' demonstrates the effectiveness of a straightforward approach in sequel storytelling. Audiences were drawn in by the promise of more of what they enjoyed, and the film delivered a satisfying and memorable conclusion to Jolson's story.