The Jazz Singer

1980 • 116 minutes

About this movie

Neil Diamond adds his own distinctive sounds to the classic role of a young Jewish cantor on the verge of a dream. It's the story of a man who forsakes the synagogue choir for a chance at rock superstardom. Defying his father, he turns his back on his marriage and community to team up with his new manager, Molly. Now, risking it all, he readies himself for his one real shot at the spotlight - and finds himself falling in love with the one woman who shares his same dreams - and truly believes in where his talent can take him.

Ratings and reviews

This is one of the staples of my childhood. My mom is a big Neil Diamond fan and we watched this several times. I know there is a scene that is "politically incorrect" but the intent is not to be racist but to give an homage to the original. The songs are fantastic and it is one of the great Laurence Olivier's last films. I highly recommend, even if a five minute scene offends your delicate contemporary sensibilities.

This movie is downright offensive! Why is he in blackface for one scene? I know they did that in the original which was made in the 20th, but this movie was made in the 80s! Did they seriously it have to include that? They knew it was really bad at that point! Also I couldn't help but feel he should have been way younger in the movie. Hes like 40 and the character I feel should have been in their early 20s. This movie is really bad!

Perhaps it's because I grew up with the soundtrack but having seen it for the first time about 20+ years after hearing the soundtrack I enjoyed it. I hate the *SPOILER ALERT* part where his wife and he part ways. They could have really redeemed that as he was staying true before. But the rest of the movie and the production of it was a great carrier for the music and it affected me as only a handful of movies ever have. Not 5 star removed because of the spouse /other woman side of the story-line.