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The Jazz Singer Details

1927 DVD Certificate PG.gif
  • Rated:
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Jakie Rabinowitz (Al Jolson) goes into show business despite his family's protestations that he should become a cantor like his father. Changing his name to Jack Robin, Jakie follows his passion for jazz and ragtime music, but in doing so, he alienates himself from his family and his Jewish roots. THE JAZZ SINGER holds the .. Read more

Starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy
Director Alan Crosland
Genres Drama, Music/Musical

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The Jazz Singer cover art

The Jazz Singer

Jakie Rabinowitz (Al Jolson) goes into show business despite his family's protestations that he should become a cantor like his father. Changing his name to Jack Robin, Jakie follows his passion for jazz and ragtime music, but in doing so, he alienates himself from his family and his Jewish roots. THE JAZZ SINGER holds the distinction of being the world's first major motion picture to utilise synchronous sound, effectively ending the era of silent movies. Songs include 'Mammy' and 'Toot, Toot, Tootsie'.

Starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy
Director Alan Crosland
Studio WARNER HOME VIDEO
Run time DVD: 1 hr 24 mins
Certificate DVD Certificate PG.gif
Genres Drama, Music/Musical
Language English
Released DVD: 12 Nov 2007
Production year: 1927
Format DVD

The Jazz Singer (1927)

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    Jakie Rabinowitz (Al Jolson) goes into show business despite his family's protestations that he should become ...

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    Bonus Features Include:New Feature-Length Documentary 'How The Movies Learned To Talk'...

  • Most helpful member's review of The Jazz Singer

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Historic Schmaltz

    Leaving its importance in the history of film aside, this is a sentimental and schmaltzy piece about a second-generation immigrant torn between his parents and the values of their world, and the demands of living in a new society, represented by show business and told via a series of what have become show-biz cliches. The only reason to watch this, apart from its historical significance, is the chance to see the legendary Al Jolson in his prime. He is a slight, balding man who looks older than his forty one years, but you can sense the energy - and the ego - which made him, apparently, the most dynamic musical performer of his generation. He was, however, essentially a stage performer made for live shows, and he seems cramped by the conventions of film - you get the impression that they must have had to nail his feet to the floor for the concert sequence at the end. His style and presentation are too large for the screen and too exaggerated for the microphone: it's easy to see why he was replaced within five years by the understated, intimate and - the title of this film being a huge misnomer - genuinely jazz-influenced Bing Crosby. This is an interesting musuem piece, best taken as a whole with the extras, which offer a fascinating insight into the changeover from silent to sound. The whole is very well presented and the prints beautifully restored.

  • Most recent members' review of The Jazz Singer

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  • 2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

    Rated - 3 stars [Highly rated reviewer]

    Historic Schmaltz

    Leaving its importance in the history of film aside, this is a sentimental and schmaltzy piece about a second-generation immigrant torn between his parents and the values of their world, and the demands of living in a new society, represented by show business and told via a series of what have become show-biz cliches. The only reason to watch this, apart from its historical significance, is the chance to see the legendary Al Jolson in his prime. He is a slight, balding man who looks older than his forty one years, but you can sense the energy - and the ego - which made him, apparently, the most dynamic musical performer of his generation. He was, however, essentially a stage performer made for live shows, and he seems cramped by the conventions of film - you get the impression that they must have had to nail his feet to the floor for the concert sequence at the end. His style and presentation are too large for the screen and too exaggerated for the microphone: it's easy to see why he was replaced within five years by the understated, intimate and - the title of this film being a huge misnomer - genuinely jazz-influenced Bing Crosby. This is an interesting musuem piece, best taken as a whole with the extras, which offer a fascinating insight into the changeover from silent to sound. The whole is very well presented and the prints beautifully restored.

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270 Member ratings
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66
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60
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      • Jakie Rabinowitz (Al Jolson) goes into show business despite his family's protestations that he should become a cantor like his father. Changing his name to Jack Robin, Jakie follows his passion for ...