Big Boy (1930)
Al Jolson stars in this early sound-era musical comedy about a devoted stable hand chasing Kentucky Derby glory.
Big Boy - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1930
- Directed by: Alan Crosland
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Music
- Runtime: 1h 8m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 27, 1930 (United Kingdom), September 11, 1930 (United States)
- Production Companies: Warner Bros. Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Big Boy - Plot
Gus, the trusty family retainer, has hopes of riding his boss' horse, Big Boy, to victory at the Kentucky Derby.
Where to Watch Big Boy
Looking for where to watch Big Boy?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Big Boy - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Alan Crosland
Main Cast
- Al Jolson
- Claudia Dell
- Louise Closser Hale
- Lloyd Hughes
- Eddie Phillips
- Lew Harvey
- Franklin Batie
- John Harron
- Tom Wilson
- Colin Campbell
Writers
- William K. Wells
- Perry N. Vekroff
- Rex Taylor
Big Boy - FAQs
What is Big Boy (1930) about?
Big Boy follows Gus, a loyal family servant with one big dream: riding his employer's prized racehorse to victory at the Kentucky Derby. Starring Al Jolson in one of his early sound-era roles, the film blends comedy and musical numbers around the world of horse racing and Southern family life.
Is Big Boy (1930) Al Jolson's film?
Yes, Big Boy was built entirely around Al Jolson, one of the biggest entertainment stars of the era. He plays Gus, a role he had originated on Broadway, and delivers his trademark musical performances throughout the film. It's very much a showcase for his larger-than-life stage persona.
Where can you watch Big Boy (1930)?
You can watch Big Boy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home as a rental or purchase. It's also available to stream for free on Fawesome, making it easy to catch this early Hollywood gem without spending anything.
Does Big Boy (1930) contain racial stereotypes?
Yes, Big Boy is a product of its era and contains racial stereotyping that modern audiences will find deeply uncomfortable. Al Jolson performs in blackface throughout the film, a practice common in early Hollywood but now widely recognized as offensive and harmful. Viewers should approach it with that historical context in mind.
Who directed Big Boy (1930)?
Alan Crosland directed Big Boy. Crosland was a significant figure in early sound cinema — he had previously helmed The Jazz Singer (1927), the landmark film that helped usher in the talkie era. His pairing with Al Jolson again for Big Boy was a natural reunion of two key players in Hollywood's sound revolution.
Is Big Boy (1930) based on a Broadway show?
Yes, Big Boy is adapted from the 1925 Broadway musical of the same name, in which Al Jolson also starred. The stage production was a major hit, and Warner Bros. brought it to the screen to capitalize on Jolson's enormous popularity following the success of The Jazz Singer and The Singing Fool.
What genre is Big Boy (1930)?
Big Boy is a comedy-musical from the early sound era. It mixes light comedic storytelling centered on horse racing with musical performances by Al Jolson. It's a good example of the kind of star-driven musical comedies Warner Bros. was producing in the late 1920s and early 1930s.
What are movies similar to Big Boy (1930)?
If you enjoy Big Boy, you might also like A Day at the Races (1937) for its blend of comedy and horse racing, or State Fair (1945) for its musical charm and Americana feel. For more Al Jolson-era entertainment, The Jazz Singer (1927) and The Singing Fool (1928) are essential early sound films.
More About Big Boy
Explore further details about Big Boy on these trusted resources.