The Jazz Singer is a shallow attempt by a powerful group of straying Jews to clear their consciences.
The Jazz Singer (1927)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:24
Fresh:18
Rotten:6
Average Rating:6.3/10
Runtime: 4 hrs 25 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: The first feature film to utilize Synchronous Sound. The story is about Cantor Oland's son who goes into show business over his objections. Tunes include "Mammy," "Toot, Toot, Tootsie" and more.... The first feature film to utilize Synchronous Sound. The story is about Cantor Oland's son who goes into show business over his objections. Tunes include "Mammy," "Toot, Toot, Tootsie" and more. Academy Award Nominations: 2, including Best Adapted Writing. Academy Awards: Special Award for technical achievement. [More]
Starring: Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Eugenie Besserer, Warner Oland
Starring: Al Jolson, May McAvoy, Eugenie Besserer, Warner Oland
Director: Alan Crosland
Director: Alan Crosland
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Reviews for The Jazz Singer
By today's standards, The Jazz Singer is mawkish, crudely filmed, and full of schmaltz. Yet it remains fascinating in its historical value, not only for its technical innovation.
In cities where the Vitaphone can be installed and reproduce his voice this picture will eminently repay attendance.
...there's no taking away from the movie's heart and Jolson's singing. The Jazz Singer remains a classic of its kind.
The Broadway melodrama is schmaltzy, but the music thank God is heavenly.
The Vitaphoned songs and some dialogue have been introduced most adroitly.
Three quarters of a century later, viewing 'The Jazz Singer' is perhaps a historical curiosity to many. It is an insult to overly sensitive others.
A landmark: the first sound film in which dialogue and song caught the public's imagination, even though sound had long existed and much of this film is silent.
Utterly unremarkable; its milestone status is more historical fluke than genuine artistry.
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
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| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| 19% 19% | Transformers: Revenge … |
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 88% 88% | Ballast |
| 66% 66% | The Merry Gentleman |
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