Jews on Film: Exploring Jewish Stories & Themes in Cinema The Jazz Singer (1927) w/ Richard Bernstein
Harry and Daniel are joined by special guest Richard Bernstein, author of Only in America, to explore the groundbreaking yet controversial 1927 film The Jazz Singer. As the first feature-length "talkie," The Jazz Singer revolutionized Hollywood, but its themes of assimilation, the American Dream, and generational conflict remain just as compelling today.
The conversation delves into Al Jolson’s electrifying performance, the film’s cultural impact, and the complicated legacy of both the movie and its star—including the troubling use of blackface, which continues to spark debate.
Plus, they trace The Jazz Singer's origins—from short story to stage play to cinematic milestone—and consider how it shaped portrayals of Jewish identity on screen. Tune in for a fascinating discussion about one of the most significant (and controversial) films in Jewish and Hollywood history.
Buy Richard's book, Only in America - https://bookshop.org/p/books/only-in-america-al-jolson-and-the-jazz-singer-richard-bernstein/20143816
The Jazz Singer on IMDb - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0018037/
The Jazz Singer on YouTube - https://youtu.be/PMvn8Ws-l0c
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