Say It with Songs

Say It with Songs is a musical drama film from 1929 directed by Lloyd Bacon and starring Al Jolson, Davey Lee, and Marian Nixon. The movie is centered around the character of Joe Lane, played brilliantly by Al Jolson, a talented singer and songwriter who dreams of making it big in the music industry.

Joe Lane is a struggling songwriter who is constantly writing new songs, hoping that one day he will be able to sign a contract with a music publisher. His son, Davey Lane, played by Davey Lee, is a talented singer who shares his father's love for music. Davey is also surrounded by a group of young boys who follow him everywhere, forming a small singing group that performs on the streets in front of stores.

Joe does his best to protect Davey from the hard realities of life, but he's not always successful. Davey's mother is dead, and they often find themselves living hand to mouth. Despite their difficulties, Joe is determined to keep Davey happy and to help him achieve his dreams.

Enter Ruth Haines, played by Marian Nixon, a young woman who works for a music publishing company. She hears Davey singing on the street and is impressed by his talent. She convinces Joe to bring Davey to her office for an audition, and before long, Davey is signed to a contract.

Once Davey's singing career takes off, the family starts to experience the lavish lifestyle they always dreamed of. Joe is hired by the music publisher as a songwriter, and he quickly becomes successful. Davey is given the chance to perform on Broadway and becomes a huge star.

But all good things must come to an end. When the stock market crashes, the family's wealth vanishes overnight. Ruth is forced to let Davey out of his contract, and Joe is out of work. The family is once again plunged into poverty, and they struggle to pick up the pieces.

The movie explores the themes of family, love, and the power of music to transform lives. Al Jolson delivers a powerful performance as a father who will stop at nothing to protect his son and to help him achieve his dreams. His singing is, as expected, phenomenal, and his on-screen chemistry with Davey Lee is endearing.

Davey Lee, on the other hand, is a precocious young talent who impresses with his singing and his acting skills. He brings a childlike innocence to his role, making it easy for audiences to fall in love with him.

Marian Nixon's character, Ruth Haines, is the perfect foil to the Lane family. She represents the glamour and power of the music industry, and her character provides a contrast to the more grounded and humble Lane family.

The musical numbers in Say It with Songs are a highlight of the movie. Al Jolson sings some of his most famous songs, like "Toot, Toot, Tootsie (Goo'bye!)" and "Ma Blushin' Rosie," and his voice is simply beautiful. The other musical numbers are also delightful, featuring talented performers like Ruth Etting and Frances Upton.

Say It with Songs is a timeless classic that showcases the power of music to transcend hardship and transform lives. The movie offers a glimpse into the world of the music industry in the 1920s, and its message of hope and perseverance still resonates with audiences today. Whether you're a fan of musicals or not, this film is sure to leave a lasting impression.