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I gots jus' two words
to describe dis klock and dat's- Ohhhhhhhhh Mammmmmy! Politically
correct? No! Funny? YES! This klock pays homage to the master
minstrel-Al Jolson!
He is remembered by laymen mostly as portraying a black faced
minstrel- but a true "Jolie" fan knows that was merely one
of the tricks of his trade! Though now deemed "racist" and politically
incorrect the minstrel show was an important part of our American
culture and minstrel memorabilia has proven to be quite collectable
with people of all races. Though in today's
society this would never be tolerated (just asks movie star(?)
Ted Danson-Ha!), it was a different
age back then and Minstrel Shows did a thriving business. Yes, Al was
a superstar in every branch of show business! |
| Al or "Jolie" as
he was known by his fans, was America's first "pop" recording
star, a legend in vaudeville, star of Broadway, films, and radio - this
guy did it all and he did it better than anyone else! He is regarded
by many to be the greatest and most popular entertainer in American history.
In 1927 Jolson starred Warner Brothers "The Jazz Singer" which
was the first talking picture or talkie. The soundtrack mostly
consisted of background music but Al belted out a few songs and even
spoke a few lines, one of which being the immortal phrase-"You ain't
heard nuthin' yet! Yes Al introduced the World to a new form of cinema
with this historic talkie that will continue forever! Al made
a slew of films, most of which were very successful and his carrier thrived
throughout his entire life until he died of a heart attack shortly after
entertaining US Troops in Korea in 1950. This klock portrays Al as a
classic black-faced minstrel, with a grin so bright on him that
it will light up a room! Next to him in classic Hollywood text it reads "Al
Jolson, 1886-1950". Now let me draw your attention to the klock
hands which resemble his white gloved minstrel hands, da detailing on
dis klock be amazin'! Now to put this klock totally over the top-on outside
of the klock face is a cartooned slice of watermelon (the coalition between
blacks and watermelon was a common stereotype of the day) that Al is
longing gazing at, it gives the whole image a 3/D illusion! Like Al did
with "The Jazz Singer"this klock will definitely get people "talking"! |
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