Review of The Jazz Singer (1927) by Jon P — 30 Apr 2017

This historic slice of early sound cinema tells a classic albeit basic tale of traditionalism versus innovation. Naturally, the odd sing-song is slotted in at every available opportunity - sometimes with an eye-popping whistle solo to boot.

Al Jolson is a commanding performer and a large part of The Jazz Singer plays like a not-so-subtle showcase for the man's talents. However, the picture is best-known as one of the first feature length sound films and its cackling songs and surprise conversations aren't without their own distinct charm.

Sadly, the mythology surrounding the film's early reception is somewhat more interesting than the movie itself, which trundles along a paint-by-numbers plot with a tacked-on ending.

The Jazz Singer dazzles most in its aural and cultural juxtapositions; old versus new, or the brash shrill of Jewish cantor versus the care-free melodies of nightclub sing-song. Its lights go dim, however, when it wallows in woe-is-me procrastination and surface level melodrama.