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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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30% Tomatometer 20 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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Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times Oct 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 Aug 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 Dave Kehr Chicago Reader Jan 1, 2000
Richard Fleischer's direction is appropriately close-in and small, and Diamond himself, while no actor, proves to be a commandingly intense, brooding presence. Go to Full Review Vicki Pipkin Billboard Mar 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 Sep 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) Aug 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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Chris P @RT06285801 Jun 19, 2026 I don’t understand the negative reviews. Great movie, great music! See more Aaron G. @RaiderGeyer Jun 12, 2026 I saw this movie as a kid, and it still amazes me today. I’m surprised at some of the reviews that I’ve read. And I make a habit of not reading reviews from the, “film critics”, as I tend to disagree with them more than I agree. This movie is OUTSTANDING! See more thiago S @Thiagostone May 9, 2026 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Marc D @MadDogthereview Mar 1, 2026 Terrible movie and I'm a music fan that respects Neil Diamonds music, career and ability...wish I would have passed on this one! See more Mark T. @markt49 Feb 20, 2026 Loved this movie with awesome music which is still popular today See more Daniel M. @Tuffstang2000 Feb 15, 2026 I saw this movie as a kid and have always loved it! I’m actually shocked at some of the reviews I have read especially from the “critics”. 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

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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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