The Jazz Singer

The Jazz Singer

115 mins | Drama, Romance, Music | Dec. 17, 1980

Jess Robin dreams of a career in popular music, but his father, Cantor Rabinovitch, 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, Jess gets a chance to go to Los Angeles and have famous singer Keith Lennox record one of his songs. Defying both his father and his wife, Jess leaves New York to pursue his dreams.

The Jazz Singer

115 mins | Drama, Romance, Music | Dec. 17, 1980

The Jazz Singer
Jess Robin dreams of a career in popular music, but his father, Cantor Rabinovitch, 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, Jess gets a chance to go to Los Angeles and have famous singer Keith Lennox record one of his songs. Defying both his father and his wife, Jess leaves New York to pursue his dreams.
IMDb rating 5.9
Producers EMI Films, Jerry Leider Productions, Associated Film Distribution
Original title The Jazz Singer
Directors Richard Fleischer
Writers Stephen H. Foreman, Herbert Baker, Samson Raphaelson

Cast

Neil Diamond

as Jess Robin / Yussel Rabinovitch

Laurence Olivier

as Cantor Rabinovitch

Lucie Arnaz

as Molly Bell

Catlin Adams

as Rivka Rabinovitch

Franklyn Ajaye

as Bubba

Paul Nicholas

as Keith Lennox

Sully Boyar

as Eddie Gibbs

Mike Kellin

as Leo

James Booth

as Paul Rossini

Luther Waters

as Teddy

Oren Waters

as Mel

Rod Gist

as Timmy

Walter Janovitz

as Rabbi Birnbaum

Janet Brandt

as Aunt Tillie

John Witherspoon

as M.C. Cinderella Club

Dale Robinette

as Tommy

David Coburn

as Bar Mitzvah Boy

Judy Gibson

as Peg

Hank Garrett

as Police Sergeant

Ernie Hudson

as Heckler

James Karen

as Barney Callahan

Edward Jahnke

as Guard

Tim Herbert

as Technician #1

Hugh Gillin

as Texas Bartender

Jill Jaress

as Cowgirl

Victor Paul

as Irate Driver

Uri Frenkel

as The Cantor

Rex Cutter

as Semi Driver

Michael Pasternak

as Zany Gray

Sandy Helberg

as Sound Engineer

Brion James

as Man in Bar

Douglas Nigh

as Technician #2

Patrick Stansfield

as Stage Manager

Seymour Cassel

as Unnamed

Steve Dash

as Policeman

Billie Perkins

as Waitress

Lev Liberman

as Boots (uncredited)