The Jazz Singer (1980)

The son of a Jewish Cantor must defy his father in order to pursue his dream of being a pop singer.

Director:

Richard Fleischer

Writers:

Samson Raphaelson (play), Herbert Baker (screenplay),

Stars:

Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier, Lucie Arnaz

Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 3 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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 (as Walter Janowitz)
Janet Brandt	...	Aunt Tillie
John Witherspoon	...	M.C. Cinderella Club

Storyline

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.

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Plot Keywords:

jewish | singer | star | pop singer | remake | 

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Taglines:

His story will make you cry. His music will make you sing. His triumph will make you cheer.

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Genres:

Drama | Music | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 December 1980 (USA)

Also Known As:

El cantor de Jazz

Filming Locations:

Pantages Theatre, 6223 Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross:

$27,118,000 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

EMI Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby DTS-ES (DVD version) Dolby Digital EX (DVD version) 70 mm 6-Track

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Lucie Arnaz replaced Deborah Raffin as Molly Bell around the time Richard Fleischer came on as the director.

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Goofs

In New York at the end of the movie when Leo asks Jess to sing in his father's place, Molly and Jess argue at the piano. Both Jess and Molly are wearing wedding rings. Later that night when Jess goes to reconcile with his father he is no longer wearing a wedding ring.

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Quotes

Bubba: Boom boom boom! I want more boom boom boom! I want more boom boom boom!

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Connections

Referenced in Designing Women: The Proxy Pig and Great Pretenders (1989)

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Soundtracks

"My Name Is Yussel"
(Theme)
Words and Music by Neil Diamond
© 1980 Stonebridge Music

User Reviews

Not really a remake

The biggest mistake that Neil Diamond made in doing this film was calling it "The jazz singer",because it is not a remake of the classic Jolson film. That said, let me say that i really enjoyed this film.

Diamond does and admirable job as the young would be cantor caught between his love of music and his love for his father, and he doesn't seem to be intmidated by the fact that Laurence Olivier plays his father. The film moves fairly well once Yussel decides to follow his dream and pursue a career in music. It probably isn't the best movie ev er made, but it is certainly worth a look. And the music score is wonderful. "America" (coming to America) became an anthem for immigrants at the time the movie was made.

Definitely worth a look