Lewis plays Joey Robbins, the estranged offspring of Cantor Rabinowitz (Eduard Franz), who has returned to his hometown of Los Angeles after five years to star in a comedy show. His religious father disapproves of Joey’s career in show business, and wishes his son would return home to carry on the family’s cantorial tradition. Robbins’ mother, Sarah (Molly Picon), is a more neutral figure. She tries to mediate the father-son relationship during the cantor’s birthday party when Joey shows up unexpectedly. However, the reunion is so strained that any chance at reconciliation seems unlikely.
The film weaves through three acts in its hour-long running time, managing to coalesce the well-worn trope of family dysfunction with enough nostalgia and sentimentality that The Jazz Singer transcends its own genre. Lewis, who gained recognition for his sharp breed of slapstick humor, shines in the dramatic role of Joey Robbins. He peppers his portrayal with signature Jerry Lewis song and dance routines, yet the true highlight of this performance is his mature, subdued chemistry in the scenes with his father.
Television movies and remakes have garnered the negative connotation of being the diluted cousins of their mainstream, original counterparts. Under Ralph Nelson’s guidance, this cinematic gem feels derivative of the 1927 version, yet it embellishes its roots with the renovated tone of a vignette. Running a whole half hour less than the original, Nelson’s The Jazz Singer maintains integrity to stand alone as its own reinvented work. The crafty cinematography and an innovative daydream sequence give the movie an artful twist indicative of the filmmaking era its release imminently preceded. With vintage sets enhanced by tasteful costumery, the outstanding ensemble cast of The Jazz Singer brings to life a timeless story in enticing fashion.
This re-release will make any cinephile salivate. Prior to 2012, the film had not been broadcast since its 1959 debut and lay deteriorating in Jerry Lewis’ archives. Now, with this special edition remastered DVD, viewers have the option of watching The Jazz Singer in B&W Kinescope or in an extremely rare video version- one of the first works to be broadcast in color on television. Whether you’re preferred accessory is a microphone or some matzah, this touching rendition is sure to strike a chord.
