HEAR WHAT YOU SEE – SEE WHAT YOU HEAR.

Jacob Rabinowitz (Al Jolson), the son of a Jewish cantor in a synagogue in Manhattan, doesn’t want to follow in his father’s footsteps, but his choice to become a jazz singer causes a rupture with his family.

The first talkie is in fact a silent picture, for the most part, interrupted here and there by sequences that feature songs and some dialogue. It was enough to make crowds go crazy, and Jolson’s melodramatic performance made a huge impression.

Interesting to see this film as a symbol of its time, using a racist idea like blackface as an illustration of Jacob’s struggle.

1927-U.S. Part Silent. 89 min. B/W. Directed by Alan Crosland. Screenplay: Alfred A. Cohn. Play: Samson Raphaelson. Cast: Al Jolson (Jacob Rabinowitz/Jack Robin), Warner Oland (Cantor Rabinowitz), Eugenie Besserer (Sara Rabinowitz), May McAvoy, Otto Lederer, Richard Tucker.

Trivia: George Jessel, who played the lead role on stage, was also considered. The film received an honorary Oscar for its sound achievement. Remade in 1952 and 1980.

Quote: “Wait a minute, wait a minute, you ain’t heard nothin’ yet!” (Jolson)