The Jazz Singer

Feature. 89 min. The first feature-length motion picture with synchronized dialogue sequences, its release heralded the commercial ascendance of the 'talkies' and the decline of the silent film era. Produced by Warner Bros. with its Vitaphone sound-on-disc system, the movie stars Al Jolson, who performs six songs. Directed by Alan Crosland, it is based on the play 'Day of Atonement' by Samson Raphaelson. The story begins with young Jakie Rabinowitz defying the traditions of his devout Jewish family by singing popular tunes in a beer hall. Punished by his father, a cantor, Jakie runs away from home. Some years later, now calling himself Jack Robin, he has become a talented jazz singer. He attempts to build a career as an entertainer, but his professional ambitions ultimately come into conflict with the demands of his home and heritage.
Songs:
'My Gal Sal' (sung by Robert Gordon) 'Waiting for the Robert E. Lee' (sung by Robert Gordon) 'Kol Nidre' (sung by Joseph Diskay with Warner Oland on screen; sung also by Al Jolson) 'Dirty Hands, Dirty Face' (sung by Al Jolson) 'Toot Toot, Tootsie, Goodbye' (sung by Al Jolson) 'Kaddish' (sung by Cantor Jossele Rosenblatt) 'Blue Skies' (sung by Al Jolson) 'Mother of Mine, I Still Have You' (sung by Al Jolson) 'My Mammy' (sung by Al Jolson)