JOURNAL ARTICLE

SCHMALTZ OF SIGNIFICANCE: How the first talkie treated the myth of the melting pot.

  • Published In: American Scholar, 2024, v. 93, n. 4. P. 124 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kellman, Steven G. 3 of 3

Abstract

"The Jazz Singer," the first feature film with synchronized sound, revolutionized cinema in 1927. Starring Al Jolson, the film tells the story of a young man who leaves his family's tradition of cantors to pursue a career as an entertainer. The film explores conflicts between generations, tradition and modernity, and assimilation in the American experience. While Jolson's performances have not aged well due to his use of blackface, the enduring appeal of the film lies in its universal conflicts. The film's success also marked a rare instance of Jewish content in Hollywood during a time of rampant anti-Semitism and xenophobia. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

  • Source:American Scholar. 2024/10, Vol. 93, Issue 4, p124
  • Document Type:Interview
  • Subject Area:Film
  • Publication Date:2024
  • ISSN:0003-0937
  • Accession Number:179079807
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