The Jazz Singer

The Jazz Singer

Year: 1927

Runtime: 88 min

Language: english

Director: Alan Crosland

DramaRomanceMusicMusical

A young performer defies his family’s wishes to pursue a career as a jazz singer, a path that clashes with their traditional Jewish values. Torn between his artistic ambitions and his heritage, he struggles to find a balance between honoring his family’s expectations and embracing his modern aspirations. The conflict between tradition and individuality creates a powerful drama as he seeks to reconcile his identity and find his place in a changing world.

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Timeline & Setting – The Jazz Singer (1927)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Jazz Singer (1927). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Early 20th century

The early 20th century was a period of significant cultural change in America, marked by industrialization and the emergence of new musical genres. This was also a time when Jewish immigrants were establishing their identities in America, often facing cultural conflicts between tradition and modernity. The era was characterized by a blend of old-world values and the new opportunities afforded by American society.

Location

Lower East Side, Manhattan

The Lower East Side of Manhattan is a historic neighborhood known for its rich immigrant history and cultural diversity. Once a hub for Jewish immigrants, it is recognized for its bustling streets, tenement buildings, and vibrant art scene. Today, the area retains its historical charm while integrating modern lifestyles.

🏙️ City 📍 Neighborhood

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – The Jazz Singer (1927)

Meet the key characters of The Jazz Singer (1927), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Jakie Rabinowitz / Jack Robin (Richard Tucker)

Jakie, later known as Jack Robin, is a passionate young boy torn between his father's expectations and his love for jazz music. As he matures, his desire for personal expression leads him to embrace the modern world, challenging his family's traditional values. Jack's journey is one of self-discovery, ultimately culminating in his reconciliation with his heritage.

🎭 Prodigy 🎵 Musician 🏆 Performer

Cantor Rabinowitz (Warner Oland)

Cantor Rabinowitz is a traditionalist who embodies the values of the Jewish faith and family legacy. His stern demeanor juxtaposes with deep care for his family, particularly his son, Jakie. As the story unfolds, his unwillingness to accept modernity creates a rift with Jack, but ultimately leads to a poignant resolution around love and understanding.

👨‍🏫 Traditionalist ❤️ Father 🎼 Heritage

Mary Dale (May McAvoy)

Mary Dale is a lively musical theater dancer who becomes Jack's love interest and mentor. She represents the modern world and encourages Jack to embrace his talents. Through her support, Mary helps navigate the tensions between Jack's aspirations and family duties, underscoring themes of love and ambition.

💃 Performer 💖 Supportive 🌟 Ambitious

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – The Jazz Singer (1927)

Explore the central themes of The Jazz Singer (1927), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎤 Identity

The theme of identity is central to 'The Jazz Singer,' as Jack struggles to reconcile his Jewish heritage with his passion for jazz music. His journey highlights the conflict between familial expectations and individual dreams. The film explores the complexity of forging one's own path while honoring cultural roots.

❤️ Family

Family dynamics play a crucial role in the film, particularly the tension between Jack and his father, Cantor Rabinowitz. The narrative illustrates the painful choices that often arise within families pursuing contrasting paths, yet it ultimately leads to reconciliation and understanding. Jack's love for his family and his desire to honor his father's legacy create a poignant narrative of love and sacrifice.

🎶 Music

Music serves as a powerful vehicle for expression and cultural identity in 'The Jazz Singer.' Jazz music represents freedom and personal expression, while traditional cantorial music symbolizes familial and cultural obligations. The film's portrayal of Jack's dual musicality encapsulates the broader tension between new and old, individual desire and communal duty.

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:34

Unlock the Full Story of The Jazz Singer

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Jazz Singer in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Jazz Singer is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Jazz Singer Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Jazz Singer, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Jazz Singer Summary

The Jazz Singer Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Jazz Singer with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Jazz Singer Timeline

More About The Jazz Singer

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Jazz Singer: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Jazz Singer

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