The Jazz Singer (1927)

Nominated for 1 Academy Award:

Best Writing (Adaptation)

Alfred A. Cohn

Recipient of 1 Academy Award:

Honorary Award

Warner Bros.

"For producing The Jazz Singer, the pioneer outstanding talking picture, which has revolutionized the industry."

It won 0 Oscars out of a total of 1 nomination and received 1 Oscar in 1927-28.


The Jazz Singer is Jakie Rabinowitz, the son of a Jewish cantor, who is expected to follow in line with the family profession.  Dreams of becoming a jazz singer, however, put him at odds with his father, who disowns him after he runs away from home.  Taking on the name of Jack Robin, he rises to fame and fortune with the help of his shiksa lady-friend.  But what effect will this have on his estranged father?

Wait a minute!  Wait a minute!  You ain't heard nothin', yet!

Although the film would lose its only competitive nomination, the Academy would bestow a special achievement award upon it for being the pioneer talking picture - the first feature film to utilize audible dialogue.  Only select scenes of the film actually use synchronized sound, but this was still revolutionary at the time.  It would also become the first musical in the process.

There tends to be a good amount of discussion as to whether or not portions of this film are racist.  It is true that the protagonist dons "blackface" for two musical numbers, but viewers have interpreted this in a number of ways.  As with a lot of these issues, it seems to be most appropriate for one to watch the film and decide for oneself how one feels on the subject.  Regardless, it acts as an important social and cultural artifact of the time.


Editorial:

This is one of those movies where my thoughts are pretty much irrelevant.  Nothing I say could change the fact that it is a classic.  I mean, it is credited as the first "talkie," for crying out loud.

It is a fine film, though.  Although it may be a little over-sentimental, it is still enjoyable.  As far as the issue of racial insensitivity goes, I remain on the fence.  It is a touchy subject, obviously.  Some people are offended, some people are not.  I understand both sides of the argument, but my general approach is:  it was the 1920s.

Score  |  07/10  |  This motion picture may be essential viewing.