The Jazz Singer
1980 · Movie · PG · 115 min · ★ 5.9 · 30% critics
A young man from a traditional Jewish family tries to balance faith, family expectations, and a growing desire to sing popular music professionally. As he chases a big break and new relationships, the choices he makes strain his marriage and deepen a painful rift at home.
Based on The Jazz Singer
Where to watch
Watch free on Amazon Prime Video and Tubi — also streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Howdy.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 1980
- Release date
- 1980-12-17
- Language
- English
- Rated
- PG
- Runtime
- 115 min
- Max quality
- HD
- Critic score
- 30/100
- TMDB rating
- 5.9/10 (72 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a straightforward, music-forward drama about tradition versus ambition, with plenty of big ballads; Not for you if you need subtle characters, realism, or a tightly plotted story like Breakin’.
Pros: memorable songs throughout; heartfelt family themes; some strong performances | Cons: uneven acting; predictable romance; thin, clichéd story
Themes
- tradition
- rabbi
- musical
- remake
- blackface
- father son relationship
- jazz music
- tradition vs modernity
Awards & recognition
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Actor · 1981
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Supporting Actor - Razzie Award · 1981
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Director · 1981 · nominated
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Original Song · 1981 · nominated
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Supporting Actor - Razzie Award · 1981 · nominated
Show all 7 awards →
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Picture · 1981 · nominated
- Golden Raspberry Award — Worst Actor · 1981 · nominated
Cast & crew
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
- LW
Luther Waters
as Teddy
Directed by Richard Fleischer