The Jazz Singer (1952)

Synopsis: The oft-filmed story of the Cantor's son who can't choose between showbiz and Yom Kippur achieved fame as the first ever talking picture, and became indelibly identified with Al Jolson. The Jewish Michael Curtiz had directed Jolson in Mammy, and seemed the ideal choice to tackle this unnecessary, though likeable, updated remake.

Trouble is, the star chosen, Danny Thomas, lacked the warmth the tale needs. Another Danny, Kaye, would've been perfect, as would have Curtiz's discovery Doris Day instead of the anodyne Peggy Lee, in one of her two feature leads (the other was Pete Kelly's Blues, for which she was Oscar-nominated).


Cast: Cast: Danny Thomas, Peggy Lee
Runtime: 106 min