The Jazz Singer was the first feature length movie to have talking sequences, which were done using the Vitaphone technology. Most of the dialogue is done in the silent movie style of frames with the lines written on them, while most of the "talking" scenes are the singing scenes. The movie is a story of a boy growing into adulthood as a second generation Jew in New York. He leaves his family at a young age because his father wants him to be a cantor in the synagogue and not use his voice for jazz music. Changing his name to a non-Jewish one he works his way up to starring in a Broadway show. In the end his father is ill and the synagogue needs a cantor for Yom Kippur. He must choose between his family and religion, the old world, and his career and jazz, the new world. This movie is a great example of the tensions felt in the 1920s including tensions between secular and religious life (jazz vs. cantor), between generations (disappointing father), and about assimilation (rejecting or accepting role as cantor).Read full review
Enjoyable old movie about a Cantor in New York City. His name is Yussel Rabinowitz (Neil Diamond) His father is the Cantor at the Temple and he has been trained all of his life to one day take his place. The Rabinowitz family has been a family of Cantors for five generations. Yussel's wife is Rivka (Catlin Adams)and she is a teacher in School. Yussel is obedient to his religion and his father, but also enjoys writing and singing his own music. His friend Bubba has a black soul group and he writes some music for them. One night they need a replacement for one of their guys and Yussel goes in black-face. A fight breaks out and his father (Laurence Olivier) has to come bail them out. A few weeks later, living on the straight and narrow, Bubba and his group go to Los Angeles and while there, a big name artist likes one of the songs and wants to record it. They need Yussel to come to California. When he sings, Yussel uses a stage name, Jess Robin. When his father found out he threw a fit, as did his wife Rivka. These people have such a "Guilt Trip" hold on him that he basically has no life of his own. Anything he wants to do for himself, disappoints someone else. Upon arriving in LA, he is met by Molly Bell (Lucie Arnaz). She is a producer for the rock star who wants to record the song. The recording session doesn't go well. He wants to sing the song loud and fast but it is a ballad. Jess sings the song to demonstrate how he intended it, and Molly Falls in love with it. She knows that this is how it needs to be sung and says so. They are both fired! Jess is going to go home but Molly gets him to agree to stay for the two weeks. She gets him an audition and they like him. She wants to expose him to a big time producer who is looking for an opening act for his big variety show. He gets the job and is a nationwide hit. Just on the brink of stardom, Rivka and his father beg for his return. They are both afraid that if he doesn't come now he will never come home. He desperately wants a chance to see if he can make it in the music business, but everyone is disappointed. Rivka, goes home and decides she doesn't want that life. His father won't try to understand either. Jess and Molly are falling in love. He is successful and his music is popular. His album is a total success, but family guilt is tearing at him. While recording the second album, he finds out that Molly is pregnant. Unable to handle everything pulling at him, Jess splits for months. He has to just get his head on straight. The baby is born, a boy, and Bubba comes looking for him. Jess returns to Molly and they make up. He now must mend the bridges between himself and his father. In a touching scene, Jess sings for Yom Kippur, when his father who is ill can't. His father has declared his son to be dead to him because of what he has done. Totally unwilling to accept any belief other than theirs, there is little hope to resolve differences. Finally, when he sees his grandson's picture, Olivier now tries to understand that Jess has to follow his dream, and the two are able to work out their problems. This was a good movie and the Neil Diamond songs and music is great.Read full review
have seen the movie long ago but wanted it for my collection. Love the movie, thanks for having it available to purchase.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Great Actors and actresses Kept my interest Great musical voice ❤️ heartfelt and emotional 😢 Great unique voice 👌 high-quality and l recommend
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
He was excellent in the movie. A little corney once in awhile. I have gone thru many copies
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
It was great watching this movie again after so many years. It has stood the test of time.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
So glad to see this movie again after many years! Love the soundtrack, the Jewish influence and of course, Neil Diamond.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Love this old classical movie remake with Neil Diamond and lots of music!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Good interesting show
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in DVDs & Blu-ray Discs
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on DVDs & Blu-ray Discs