The Jazz Singer

The Jazz Singer

Year: 1980

Runtime: 115 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Fleischer

DramaRomanceMusic

A young man named Jess Robin struggles to balance his love for jazz music with his father's traditional expectations. His pursuit of a career in the burgeoning music industry leads him into a world of challenges and temptations, forcing him to confront deeply held family values. Torn between the security of his heritage and the promise of fame, Jess must make difficult choices that will impact his future and the harmony of his family.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Jazz Singer yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – The Jazz Singer (1980)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Jazz Singer (1980). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The film's events unfold in a contemporary setting, reflecting the cultural shifts of the late 20th century. This period is characterized by the blending of musical genres and the rise of diverse artistic expressions, significantly impacting Yussel's journey.

Location

Synagogue, Los Angeles

The synagogue serves as a central hub for Yussel's religious upbringing, representing tradition and familial expectations. Los Angeles is known for its vibrant music scene and entertainment industry, providing both opportunities and challenges for aspiring artists like Yussel.

🏛️ Place of Worship 🌆 City Life

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Main Characters – The Jazz Singer (1980)

Meet the key characters of The Jazz Singer (1980), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Yussel Rabinovitch (Jess Robin) - Neil Diamond

Yussel is a passionate young cantor torn between his family's expectations and his desire to become a successful musician. He embodies the conflict of tradition versus ambition, ultimately navigating the trials of personal aspiration and familial loyalty.

🎶 Musician 👨‍👦 Son 🎭 Artist

Cantor Rabinovitch - Laurence Olivier

Yussel's father, Cantor Rabinovitch, is a strict traditionalist who expects Yussel to follow in his footsteps. His unwavering stance on religious devotion underscores the familial pressure Yussel faces throughout his journey.

👨‍👦 Father 🔊 Authority 🎹 Traditionalist

Rivka - Caitlin Adams

Rivka is Yussel’s supportive wife, caught between her love for him and her loyalty to family traditions. Her character represents the emotional toll and struggle faced by those supporting a partner's ambitions while adhering to societal expectations.

💖 Wife 🤝 Supportive 😔 Conflicted

Bubba - Franklyn Ajaye

Bubba serves as Yussel's encouraging friend, introducing him to new opportunities and pushing him to embrace his ambitions. His optimistic outlook contrasts with the more conservative views of Yussel's family.

👬 Friend 🌟 Encourager 🎷 Music Lover

Molly - Lucie Arnaz

Molly is a pivotal character who helps Yussel navigate the music industry. Her support and belief in his talent facilitate his growth as an artist, while also prompting him to confront his past.

🎶 Mentor 💼 Agent 🌸 Supportive

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

Major Themes – The Jazz Singer (1980)

Explore the central themes of The Jazz Singer (1980), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎤 Ambition

Yussel's yearning for artistic recognition drives the narrative, showcasing the struggle between personal dreams and familial obligations. His journey highlights the complexities of pursuing one's passion in the face of cultural and parental expectations.

💔 Conflict

The film explores the tension between tradition and modernity, as Yussel grapples with his father's expectations and his own artistic identity. This internal and external conflict shapes the characters' relationships, particularly between Yussel, his wife Rivka, and his father.

🌟 Reconciliation

Themes of reconciliation emerge as Yussel confronts his family's values and strives to mend his relationship with his father. The emotional climax emphasizes the power of forgiveness and understanding, providing a sense of closure to Yussel's personal and musical struggles.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:08

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

Similar Movies to The Jazz Singer

Discover movies like The Jazz Singer that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.