The Jazz Singer Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
His story will make you cry. His music will make you sing. His triumph will make you cheer.
Sometimes you have to risk it all...
Neil Diamond stars as Yussel in this tale of a young Jewish cantor who strives to make a career in music. Against the wishes of his rigid father and his loving wife, Yussel travels to California to play his music. Swept up by the excitement, he meets a woman who shares his dream. He grows apart from his family, and becomes confused about what he should ultimately do with his life.
| Neil Diamond | Jess Robin |
| Laurence Olivier | Cantor Rabinovitch |
| Lucie Arnaz | Molly Bell |
| Catlin Adams | Rivka Rabinovitch |
| Franklyn Ajaye | Bubba |
| Paul Nicholas | Keith Lennox |
| Sully Boyar | Eddie Gibbs |
| Mike Kellin | Leo |
| James Booth | Paul Rossini |
| Luther Waters | Teddy |
| Oren Waters | Mel |
| Rod Gist | Timmy |
| Walter Janovitz | Rabbi Birnbaum |
| Janet Brandt | Aunt Tillie |
| John Witherspoon | M.C. Cinderella Club |
| Richard Fleischer |
5.00 out of 10 (1127 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Pleasantly surprised
posted on 31 Jul 2009I wasn't expecting much from this oft-panned Neil Diamond vehicle, but being a fan of the Solitary Man's music, I decided to give it a whirl. True, he's not the greatest actor the world's ever seen, but he isn't as bad as Elvis (or, come to that, Mick Jagger in 'Ned Kelly'), and he's just right for the part of an ambitious cantor who decides to try his luck as a rock singer in California. His story is believable (Leonard Maltin says "Diamond becomes a rock star in about the same time it takes to get a haircut", but look how fast David Essex rises and falls in 1974's Stardust!) and the music is, of course, top-notch. The scene in the Cinderella Club would be wildly politically incorrect by today's standards, of course, but it's endearing and funny in its own sweet way. Paul Nicholas offers an interesting cameo as a spoilt-rotten rock star, and the performance scenes are riveting, particularly 'Amazed and Confused' and 'Hey Louise'. It was never a film that was going to set the world on fire, but it's a good way of spending a slow evening.
Great Music + Great Plot = 5 Stars
posted on 26 Jul 2009Even if you're not a big fan of Diamond's music, the plot of this movie will still strike a touching chord. Many people will be able to identify with the father/son conflict. This movie not only gives insight into how the music industry (especially the search for new talent) works, but is also inspiring to those who dream of becoming successful musicians themselves. Although released in 1980, the story is universal and still applies today (even the romance in the sub-plot is well done). Fans of Neil Diamond will love the many songs in this movie, but the songs also work as an integral part of the plot (this is not a mere venue for Diamond to show off his musical talents). Although he's not a professional actor, Diamond was perfect for this role. In fact, all of the actors in this movie were brilliant. This is my favorite movie, and my only complaint is that it's hard to find (practically non-existent in video stores).
Neil Diamond is best at singing, not acting.
posted on 08 May 2009The 1980 movie version of The Jazz Singer is an entertaining movie, but the (acting) standout lead role is not Neil Diamond, although he sings some great songs in this movie, but the good acting comes from Laurence Olivier in this movie.Neil Diamond's acting, in this movie, was better than some acting by other singers who tried acting themselves, like: Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Joan Jett, etc...I liked this movie because the story (which is about a man, who tries to get into the singing business, gets famous, breaks a few laws as far as being Jewish is concerned, breaks down due to problems with his dad, and the ending is something you'll have to figure out cuz I can't tell you...according to IMDB.COM rules of commenting :)) has heart, warmth and great music. So go to your video store & rent The Jazz Singer! One last comment...The only part I don't get is why they even called the movie, The Jazz Singer, he doesn't even sing jazz in this movie, as compared to Al Jolsen in the original version of The Jazz Singer, but I give Diamond & the cast & crew thumbs up for a decent job.
Extremely inspirational film
posted on 08 May 2009Although one cannot escape their past, one can always dream, what if? And like an itch if you don't scratch it it just keeps growing and growing till you have to. I don't know how historically "The Jazz Singer" is but every time I watch it I believe that there was that itch that Mr. Diamond had to scratch, regardless of whatever the future brought. My brother was hired as a junior at University of Kentucky to play 1st chair in the production "Hair" in 1969. A 5 1/2 octive range and four wifes later he always played 1st chair trumpet in Vegas for 25 plus years. He burned out some and became a broker in real estate there but the itch came back. Now he moved to South Carolina on climate and is working hard playing again. His first wife said it was his horn or her, well we know who won, just like the itch. Mr. Diamond has the ability to bring up my soul and in the movie juggle the singer verses his religious role. To quit premed 6 month before graduation says that "I will do it or bust". The movie is a great role model for todays youth. Like the movie had in it a line "One musician can always find another". I know with my brother it is true, from coast to coast. His instructors at UK became his students. I one time saw him talking to Charlie Dianels and said are you going to see him? He said no, why should he, he worked for me. My mother always called him poor little rich boy. Riches are in the heart and are not always confined to money. Mr. Diamond is indeed rich beyond words in my humble opinion. students over time. Good show Mr. Diamond!
For Olivier and Neil Diamond fans only...
posted on 06 Mar 2009Worth seeing for Laurence Olivier, who in my opinion had a very limited acting range (he tended to play a lot of parts similar to this) but was really a genius within his relatively narrow range -- this is just about the ideal role for him, inspired casting here. Fans of Neil Diamond's music will enjoy this movie as well -- everyone else might as well skip it completely. Silly, cliched story and some very poor acting by most of the cast... there are worse things to do on a slow, rainy Sunday than watch something like this, though. 6/10
A decent flick
posted on 01 Feb 2009This is an updated version of the old Al Jolson film by the same name. In this version, a young potential pop star (Neil Diamond) strikes out on his own, turning his back on his father (Sir Lawrence Olivier), his religion (Judaism) and his supposed profession (Cantor) to seek his fame and fortune. The story is OK, a bit lame, but OK still. There is some fantastic music in this film, with (who else?) Neil Diamond singing "Love on the Rocks" and "America". Diamond is not a great actor, for certain, but he actually held his own. The performance by Olivier was also a little bit weak. Lucy Arnaz also stars in the show and I believe her acting was the best of all. There is one scene in the film in the Temple. A Cantor is singing (quite badly) and all of a sudden, Diamond takes over. The abrupt change actually brought goose bumps to my skin! Other than that, the film is merely pretty entertaining. I won't say this is a great film, but I think it's worth a look if the video store doesn't have the one you REALLY went in there for.
Neil Diamond in black face and an afro wig.
posted on 24 Dec 2008I am admirer of Neil Diamond's music (schmaltz pop and all) so I finally saw the movie "Jazz Singer".
My expectations was that the movie was based on Neil Diamond's life, instead we have a pop music version of "Fiddler on the Roof". Should Neil Diamond character follow "tradition" as a cantor or go into a career as a pop musician.
The funniest scene, i.m.h.o., is when the movies Neil Diamond's band playing at all African American club. Diamond's character pretends to be black by wearing black face and and an afro wig.
Overall 3 stars for the music of Neil Diamond and 2 stars for the performance of Laurence Oliver.
What's the Deal? Need more NEIL!
posted on 06 Dec 2008Okay... all these submissions below? Ignore them. Here's the real scoop.The biggest problem most folks have with this film is that they're comparing the two male leads' acting ability. BIG MISTAKE.One is Neil Diamond-- one of the greatest singers of all time. The other is Sir Laurence Olivier-- one of the greatest ACTORS of all time. Think of it this way: if Sir Larry accompanied Neil in a recording of "Cherry, Cherry"-- people would rave about Neil's performance, but then spend an hour going on about how much Olivier sucks.The fact is this: neither of them suck. Everything is great! Neil Diamond is a fine actor. (Not an AMAZING actor, mind you... but a fine actor.)
He'd even beaten out Dustin Hoffman for the role of Lenny Bruce in "Lenny", but turned it down... leaving the door open for Hoffman.I made the mistake of reading all of the below jeers and whines about Neil Diamond's "terrible acting performance" in this movie. I then watched it over at my girlfriend's house with very low expectations. But I was very impressed, and greatly enjoyed the film. Granted, there are some times when Neil's performance isn't exactly as dramatic as it should be... (i.e., when his father shrieks "I HAVE NO SON!!", Neil doesn't exactly seem to be heartbroken.) But then, there are times when he manifests a great deal of emotional power... especially in the scenes where he gets angry.Okay, so I'm a huge Neil Diamond fan, yes. I love his music, and I think it's cool that he's had a lead in a major motion picture. BUT-- from an acting perspective, he has my respect. From one actor to another. (YES, I consider him an "actor" too... and so does the IMDb.) I only have two complaints: one is that this is the only movie he's been in until Saving Silverman-- where he had just a cameo. That sucks. I want to see Neil in more movies. The other complaint is what everyone else doesn't like: "The Jazz Singer".
AL JOLSON sung Jazz. NEIL DIAMOND sings Pop. Soooooo... couldn't it have been called "The Pop Singer", and had an addition in the credits that read, "Based on 'The Jazz Singer' by Al Jolson" or something?Anyway... the music is great, (even "Love on the Rocks"-- and I'm not a big ballad fan... as they depress me. But I can't dislike a Neil song.) the movie is a great story, and the acting is FINE. Watch it. If you're a fan of Neil's, or even just a fan of 20+ year old movies that have good stories.... check out "The Jazz Singer".--and by the way.... neil diamond rules. thank you.
"I haf no son!"
posted on 03 Dec 2008...and not much of a movie either. Pointless remake of the 1927 "talkie"--the plot was old then; the plot was still old in the 1950s Danny Thomas remake; it was laughable in 1980. If Neil Diamond really wanted to do a movie, why not do a concert film?Diamond plays a Jewish man who wants to sing rock music--his father (Laurence Olivier!!!!! Why Larry?) wants him to perform only traditional Jewish songs. Also he falls in love with a non-Jewish woman (Lucie Arnaz giving the only good performance) which he knows his dad would never approve. Yawn--what a lousy script. The acting is beyond belief--Diamond is a great singer but he's no actor--he was very bad; Olivier is a howl as his father--he hams it up mercilessly and just gives an unbelievable (I don't mean that in a good way) jaw-dropping performance. Olivier was one of the most respected actors around--why did he do this? Didn't he read the script? It's obvious he's hating every moment--I guess he was really hard up for the money. Arnaz is actually very good despite everything--she also has the film's second best line (after Olivier's "no son" line). She tells Diamond seriously, "You're too talented to waste everything on singing". Sheesh! What saves this movie from total disaster is the singing--Diamond was (and is) a good singer and some of the songs are great. When he's singing the movie is OK--when he's not it's a laugh a minute. ALMOST bad/good.
The Jazz Singer-When Accommodations Were Made ***1/2
posted on 09 Nov 2008Wonderful version of a cantor's son in conflict over his orthodox Jewish beliefs and his desire to be a singing star.The only major flaw that I had with this film is that by the orthodox Jewish people, there is no accommodation made whatsoever in the field of intermarriage. If it occurs, the person intermarrying is regarded as dead as depicted in the film.Caitlin Adams, who portrayed Jesse's wife Rivka, is true to life since she chose to break with her husband due to her orthodox beliefs. Others might argue that their marriage was headed towards a downward spiral anyway.Laurence Olivier is absolutely mesmerizing as Diamond's father. His authentic Jewish accent and tearing his clothes are memorable.Diamond's voice is superb and is acting is on par for the role. "Love on the Rocks," as well as "Acapulco," and "Coming to America" are wonderfully staged.In the world of today, we need understanding and accommodation and that's exactly what we get in this fine film.
Hilariously Bad!
posted on 10 Oct 2008I've seen this movie about five times (well spaced out . . .) and each time I'm shocked anew at how bad it is; each time I laugh out loud at scene after scene.The closest comparison is Spinal Tap . . . except, incredibly, this wasn't meant to be a comedy!The plot is high on melodrama, the music is high on schmaltz, and Larry Olivier must have been high on something. High points: New wave version of "Love on the Rocks", and Neil shouting "What happened to the groove?" as he storms out of the studio.Seriously, though, if you want to know how the music industry really works, this is an excellent, gritty tutorial.
Not even the music...
posted on 13 Sep 2008This is a terrible movie. Neil Diamond can't act... Laurence Olivier was just looking to make a quick buck... The plot is just too predictable and trite... But worst of all, the music doesn't work. How can we believe this Yussuf character has any talent at all (let alone reaches stardom) when the songs are all so... BLEAH? Don't get me wrong. I love a lot of Diamond's '70s classics. But the songs in this movie don't even come close. It would have been a far more interesting movie as a true-life biopic of Diamond's own story (with himself in the starring role if we must), and with songs such as 'I am, I Said' and 'Daydream Believer' on the soundtrack.
"Eye Heff No Son!!!"
posted on 15 Aug 2008This is a marvelous experience! I first saw "The Jazz Singer" in 1980 in the cinema and was immediately hooked on Neil Diamond. It was gratifying to find a Jewish story on the big screen, too, with Shabbat and Yom Kippur services and Hebrew songs, juxtaposed with Diamond's secular hits. Looking back after 26 years of life experience and three extended stays in Israel, I can't help but to have warm memories of this movie. The story, in my opinion, was sufficient to maintain interest, and although the acting was either VERY method (and who can forget Olivier's "Eye Heff No Son!!"--how often has THAT been passed into popular culture such as "The Simpsons!") or painfully amateur, this film is eminently enjoyable.
Luci Arnaz- remove this from your resume
posted on 28 Jul 2008Ugh. Poor plot development and cardboard characters. For example, he loves his wife sooooo much and discards her sooooo easily? Not likely. Lucie Arnaz, a wonderful personality and normally "good" actress is a cartoon character. Who could fall in love with Neil Diamond with all his angst and schmaltzy whining? Not I, that's for sure.
Pure Country and The Jazz Singer
posted on 28 Jul 2008I would love to be able to send you a review of the purchases that were made but the ordered material was not recieved ...the tracking shows that it was delievered but I did not recieve it ..... thank you for following up and asking for a review .... BTW this is not the first parcel that the USPS has lost .... From now on I will be requesting UPS as the preferred shipper .....
Mike Fjermestad
So awful, that's it's great
posted on 16 Aug 2009Neil Diamond's film career began and ended with this hopeless turkey, which is an insult to the original play and the subsequent 1927 film with Jolson that changed the film business.
This was also a terribly shameful moment for the once-great Olivier. He made more of a fool of himself here than he did in THE BETSY...and that's saying something.
I know the video industry has absurdly abused anniversary editions, but no company has been more abusive and insulting than
LION'S GATE (once known as ARTISAN, and LIVE).
To celebrate a 25th anniversary of a horrendous film, shows how pathetic some people in Hollywood are just to make a buck.
For shame!