The Jazz Singer

1952

The Jazz Singer

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User Ratings: 13

The Jazz Singer Photos

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Movie Info

This second screen adaptation of the Samson Rafaelson play The Jazz Singer is better than the first, though not as historically important (the early Jazz Singer, it will be recalled, sparked the "talkie revolution" way back in 1927). Danny Thomas assumes the old Al Jolson role as the cantor's son-turned-cabaret entertainer. As Jerry Golding (Thomas) scales the heights of show business, he breaks the heart of his father (Eduard Franz), who'd hoped that Jerry would follow in his footsteps. Sorrowfully, Cantor Golding reads the Kaddish service, indicating that, so far as he is concerned, his son is dead. A tearful reconciliation (and a more upbeat denouement than was found in the original film) occurs when Jerry dutifully returns to sing the "Kol Nidre" in his ailing father's absence. Peggy Lee co-stars as Judy Lane, a musical comedy entertainer who falls in love with Jerry, while Mildred Dunnock and Alex Gerry do what they can with the stereotyped roles of Jerry's mother and uncle, respectively. This 1952 Jazz Singer has its faults, but it is vastly superior to the empty-headed 1980 Neil Diamond/Laurence Olivier remake.

Rating:

NR
Genre:

Drama, Musical & Performing Arts
Directed By:

Michael Curtiz
Written By:

Frank Davis, Leonard Stern, Lewis Meltzer, Leonard B. Stern
In Theaters:

Dec 30, 1952 limited
Runtime:

107 minutes
Studio:

Warner Bros.

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Cast

Danny Thomas
as Jerry Golding

Peggy Lee
as Judy Lane

Mildred Dunnock
as Mrs. Golding

Eduard Franz
as Cantor Golding

Tom Tully
as McGurney

Alex Gerry
as Uncle Louie

Allyn Joslyn
as George Miller

Harold Gordon
as Rabbi Roth

Hal Ross
as Joseph

Justin Smith
as Phil Stevens

Anitra Stevens
as Yvonne

Phil Arnold

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Critic Reviews for The Jazz Singer

All Critics (1) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (1)

A fine mixture of song and sentiment, this modern version of The Jazz Singer has all the heart quality of the original, emerging as a tender, poignant film.

Jan 2, 2018 | Full Review…

Hollywood Reporter
Top Critic

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Audience Reviews for The Jazz Singer

Sep 04, 2014

Hokey but colorful. Danny Thomas wasn't much of an actor but he sang well enough, what matters more is that Peggy Lee is in the movie and sings several songs. That makes whatever malarkey you have to sit through worth it.

jay n Super Reviewer