The Jazz Singer cover art

The Jazz Singer Details

1980 Certificate PG
  • Rated:
  • 70
  • from 2617 members

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 cover art

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 Certificate PG
Genres Music/Musical
Language DVD: English
Released DVD: 19 Mar 2004
Production year: 1980
Format DVD

  • Critics' reviews (2) of The Jazz Singer

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  • 2 stars out of 5

    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.

    • Radio Times
    • Posted 29 Jan 2006

  • A good basis for a best-selling album, otherwise a pointless enterprise.

    • Halliwell's Film Guide
    • Posted 02 Mar 2006

  • Most helpful member's review of The Jazz Singer

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  • 5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 4 stars

    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 was actually highly enjoyable actually pretty damn good. I had no clue about mr diamond and his work prior to this but its safe to say I will be hunting down the soundrack. Great music and solid performances I highly recommend it regardless of age or musical taste. The Jazz Singer seems to have truly stood the test of time.

      • Andrew Hunt from Doncaster, England
      • Posted 25 Sep 2004 unknown

  • Most recent members' review of The Jazz Singer

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 5 stars

    the jazz singer

    I could watch this film over and over again. It may be a film of the 80's but it still has the power to be a very good, watchable film with a good storyline and great songs in it. First time i've watched it again in a long time and enjoyed it just as much as when it was first released.

      • A customer from plymouth devon
      • Posted 14 Aug 2007 10:04

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372
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164
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112
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    • The Jazz Singer

    • 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 ...