The Jazz Singer
1980
In New York City, Yussel Rabinowitz (Neil Diamond) trains to be a cantor. Although his father (Laurence Olivier) and wife, Rivka (Catlin Adams), don't approve, he also sings and writes songs for a black soul group under the name Jess Robin. When the group gets an opportunity in California, their leader, Bubba (Franklyn Ajaye), .. Read more
| Starring | Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, Lucie Arnez, Catlin Adams |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Fleischer |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
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The Jazz Singer
In New York City, Yussel Rabinowitz (Neil Diamond) trains to be a cantor. Although his father (Laurence Olivier) and wife, Rivka (Catlin Adams), don't approve, he also sings and writes songs for a black soul group under the name Jess Robin. When the group gets an opportunity in California, their leader, Bubba (Franklyn Ajaye), asks Jess to join them. Reluctantly, Rivka and his father let him go. In Los Angeles, Jess meets record company executive Molly Bell (Lucie Arnaz). Impressed by his music, she tries to promote him. However, Jess still struggles and is about to give up when Molly gets him a solo TV spot. Just as Jess seems set for stardom, Rivka and his father arrive to plead for his return. Samson Raphaelson's play about a talented singer's attempts to break away from a restrictive religious family was first filmed in 1927--when it became the first talkie. This--the third version--was made in 1980. Directed by Richard Fleischer after another director was dismissed, the film focuses on Molly's struggles to find opportunities for Jess, then on Jess's subsequent concert performances. Neil Diamond carries the film, singing his own songs with verve.
| Starring | Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, Lucie Arnez, Catlin Adams |
|---|---|
| Director | Richard Fleischer |
| Studio | CANAL + INDY |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 50 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | DVD: 19 Mar 2004 Production year: 1980 |
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Critics' reviews (2)
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A “rocked-up” remake of what was touted as the world's first talkie — though, actually, it featured only songs and a few speech fragments. Cracklin' Rosie man Neil Diamond updates the old Al Jolson role, playing a cantor's son who wants to make it big in the rock business. Laurence Olivier takes the money and runs as his understandably dubious dad. Given the “rocky” nature of the film, the title now seems pretty meaningless. But, then, that description could be applied to the whole film which, though adequate, remains more a monument to the egomania of musicians than a significant contribution to world cinema.
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A good basis for a best-selling album, otherwise a pointless enterprise.
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Most helpful member's review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Neil Diamond who the hell is Neil Diamond?
I have to say when I was told to watch this movie I expected a horribly dated, gearish eighties movie. Im pleased to say it was but in a very classical sense it... more
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Most recent members' review
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5 out of 5 people found this review helpful
Neil Diamond who the hell is Neil Diamond?
I have to say when I was told to watch this movie I expected a horribly dated, gearish eighties movie. Im pleased to say it was but in a very classical sense it... more
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The Jazz Singer
In New York City, Yussel Rabinowitz (Neil Diamond) trains to be a cantor. Although his father (Laurence Olivier) and wife, Rivka (Catlin Adams), don't approve, he also sings and writes songs for a black soul group under the name Jess Robin. When the group gets an opportunity in California, their ...
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