The Jazz Singer

Streaming video - 1927

THE JAZZ SINGER is a landmark in film history, known as the first feature-length movie with synchronized dialogue, ushering in the era of sound in cinema. The story follows Jakie Rabinowitz, a young Jewish man expected to follow in his father’s footsteps as a synagogue cantor. However, Jakie dreams of becoming a jazz singer and changes his name to Jack Robin. As he rises to fame on the Broadway stage, he finds himself torn between his artistic ambitions and his family's religious and cultural expectations. The tension peaks when he must choose between performing on opening night or singing in his father's place for Yom Kippur. Starring Al Jolson, the film combines heartfelt drama with groundbreaking musical performances, symboli...zing the tension between old traditions and a rapidly modernizing America. more