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The Jazz Singer

Play trailer Poster for The Jazz Singer PG 1980 1h 55m Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
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26% Tomatometer 23 Reviews 69% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Jess Robin (Neil Diamond) dreams of a career in popular music, but his father, Cantor Rabinovitch (Laurence Olivier), forbids it, insisting Jess live as a traditional Jew and inherit his position at the synagogue. With the help of friend and professional musician Bubba (Franklin Ajaye), Jess gets a chance to go to Los Angeles and have famous singer Keith Lennox (Paul Nicholas) record one of his songs. Defying both his father and his wife, Jess leaves New York to pursue his dreams.
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The Jazz Singer

The Jazz Singer

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Critics Consensus

Neil Diamond's foray into acting is a total miss in this gaudy and unconvincing remake, with Laurence Olivier on hand to deliver an excruciatingly campy performance.

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Critics Reviews

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Time Out 06/24/2006
The most cautious soft-rock superstar movie debut you'll ever get to see. Go to Full Review Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times 10/23/2004
1/4
The Jazz Singer has so many things wrong with it that a review threatens to become a list. Go to Full Review Janet Maslin New York Times 08/30/2004
1.5/5
Mr. Diamond, looking glum and seldom making eye contact with anyone, isn't enough of a focus for the outmoded story. Go to Full Review Vicki Pipkin Billboard 03/28/2023
... A safe vehicle for any newcomer to the widescreen because the storyline has universal appeal. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com 09/27/2022
3/5
…a wildly amusing film, a vanity project from a star who has got little to be modest about… Go to Full Review Jesús Fernández Santos El Pais (Spain) 08/20/2019
The protagonist manages to get through his dilemma between a profane love and home, with the help of Laurence Olivier, at the helm of the veteran Richard Fleischer, and under the umbrella of a soundtrack that will please its fans. [Full Review in Spanish] Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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David R @DavidRankin 5d When you grow up listening to Neil Diamond via your Dad on Sundays, you cannot help but love this movie. See more James B Feb 7 I have to say at the start that I love Neil Diamond's music. That is by far the highlight of this movie. The songs really make the movie and are really good. The story itself isn't bad, but some of the acting in the movie is on the rough side. If you love his music I think you will enjoy this movie, and it is worth a watch. See more Spencer P @s_plewe Jan 10 Neil Diamond's movie star debut isn't bad, and Laurence Olivier makes a commendable effort, but the Jazz Singer remake doesn't age well in several respects, though fans of Diamond's music won't be too disappointed. See more Carroll Dec 1 Neil actually did a genuinely authentic job in this movie. I cannot stand when these actors very play their part. He did a good job!! See more Ed . Aug 29 Bernie Madoff and the Rosenbergs were more likeable. Al Jarreau in the SCTV parody is superior viewing. With the exception of Lucie Arnaz' universally-lauded performance, the acting is lame. However, this movie offers several important lessons: (1) Don't believe everything your agent says. (2) Take acting lessons if you've never acted before. (3) Practice your new hobby on SNL or YouTube. (4) Make sure the film's director is a good one. (5) Alternatively, if you don't wish to heed this advice, just keep the blackface on throughout the entire film and go for broke. See more Gary S Jul 26 I just finished watching the movie The Jazz Singer on my 1980 video tape probably for the 5th or 6th time over the years. It affected me more powerfully than ever before. The music, the song, the story, and most of all Neil Diamond struck my heart so powerfully, that I almost had to wring out my handkerchief because of the numerous times of tears rolling down my face. I just can't thank the cast enough for their creation of such an emotional and wonderful movie. See more Read all reviews
The Jazz Singer

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Cast & Crew

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Richard Fleischer

Director

Neil Diamond

Yussel Rabinovitch

Laurence Olivier

Cantor Rabinovitch

Lucie Arnaz

Molly Bell

Catlin Adams

Rivka Rabinovitch

Franklyn Ajaye

Bubba

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The Jazz Singer

The Jazz Singer (1980) The Jazz Singer (1980) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Jess Robin (Neil Diamond) dreams of a career in popular music, but his father, Cantor Rabinovitch (Laurence Olivier), forbids it, insisting Jess live as a traditional Jew and inherit his position at the synagogue. With the help of friend and professional musician Bubba (Franklin Ajaye), Jess gets a chance to go to Los Angeles and have famous singer Keith Lennox (Paul Nicholas) record one of his songs. Defying both his father and his wife, Jess leaves New York to pursue his dreams.
Director
Richard Fleischer
Producer
Jerry Leider
Screenwriter
Samson Raphaelson, Samson Raphaelson, Stephen H. Foreman, Herbert Baker
Distributor
Associated Film Distribution
Production Co
EMI Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
Musical
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Dec 17, 1980, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
May 7, 2013
Runtime
1h 55m
Sound Mix
Surround, Stereo, Dolby
Aspect Ratio
35mm
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