Mack Gordon - Rose of Washington Square (World Premiere of the Orig 1939 Soundtrack)

Superb sound, a great legacy of 2 fine singers

"Rose of Washington Square" was a large scale production in 1939 by 20th Century Fox, starring its 2 biggest box office stars, Alice Faye and Tyrone Power. The film was a thinly disguised tale of the life of Fanny Brice and Brice sued the studio for plagiarism. The story appeared as "Funny Girl" with Streisand in the sixties.

The film underwent severe editing and at least 4 songs were cut from the released print. This CD contains the complete score for the film with alternate takes, deleted songs and the numbers which appear in the film but without disruptive dialogue. It is interesting that so much fine music did not appear in the released film.

The recordings are crystal clear and both Faye and Al Jolson sound fantastic. The CD is an unexpected treasure and maybe the best legacy of the talents of Faye and Jolson.

You don't need to know the film to appreciate the music. May 16, 2006

Jolson at his best; Faye also great

The CD is simply great. Jolson, in 1939, was in the best voice of his career. His "Rock-a-Bye," "California," and "April Showers" are among his best ever renditions. Alice Faye did not have a great voice, but had a sweet tone and a distinctive style. Her rendition of "My Man," "I Never Knew Heaven Could Speak," and title song- great. And it's a treat to have the outtakes, with alternate versions of some of the songs. April 29, 2001

A great soundtrack

This CD features Alice Faye and Al Jolson at their best and most memorable. Jolson sounds great singing his signature songs. Faye is equally good, especially during "My Man," "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows," and "I'm Just Wild About Harry". Sadly, Faye ceased recording in 1937 due to contractual restrictions, so listening to her in this soundtrack is particularly pleasant. Hopefully Varese Sarabande will also release the soundtracks of other Alice Faye films, especially "Alexander's Ragtime Band" and "Hello, Frisco, Hello" (which includes her signature song "You'll Never Know") in the nearby future. August 14, 2000

A Great Surprise! Wonderful performances by Faye & Jolson!

This new soundtrack release is taken directly from the original ROSE OF WASHINGTON SQ soundtrack source materials located at the Fox Studios. Its amazing how fresh these recordings sound after 60 years! Most of the songs were standards when the movie was in production. Only one new song was written for the film, I NEVER KNEW HEAVEN COULD SPEAK, sung by Alice Faye. I have not heard Al Jolson sound better singing some of his standards like CALIFORNIA HERE I COME and ROCK A BYE YOUR BABY WITH A DIXIE MELODY. Alice Faye sounds wonderful singing MY MAN, I'M ALWAYS CHASING RAINBOWS and the title tune. To round out the collection several outakes and alternates versions of the songs are included. Apparently the recording standards on Hollywood sound stages were much higher than those of record studios at the time sime the sound is remarkabe. Lets hope Varese/Fox can come up with more classic winners like this. Perhaps a Betty Grable series or more Alice Faye? November 14, 1999

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