The Jazz Singer

Recording superstar Neil Diamond makes his movie debut in The Jazz Singer, the 1980's updated version of the Al Jolson classic, as a fifth generation cantor who struggles to find expression through his own songs in the highly competitive world of popular music. He is opposed by his tradition-bound father, portrayed by Laurence Olivier, who is convinced that his son is betraying his birthright by striking out on his own.Although Diamond abandons the synagogue for America's own national religion, show-business, he returns to the faith - and the synagogue - to sing Kol Nidre in the place of his stricken papa. Lucie Arnaz also heads the cast as a gutsy manager who falls in love first with the man's work, then with the man himself. Catlin Adams stars as the tradition-bound wife who doesn't understand her husband's desire to leave the safe community provided by the synagogue. The movie features 10 songs composed and recorded live on film by Diamond, whose music has entertained millions of people throughout the world for more than two decades.