A Skirball Academy Class
Dr. Eric Goldman:
The Jazz Singer
Four Adaptations, One Jewish-American Story
Samson Raphaelson’s The Jazz Singer, originally written for the stage and later adapted for the screen, has captivated American audiences since its groundbreaking theatrical film debut in 1927. Widely recognized as the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue, it marked the beginning of the sound era in cinema and permanently changed film history.
At its core, The Jazz Singer tells a distinctly American story. It follows a first-generation Jewish son torn between religious and cultural tradition and the lure of the American dream. The narrative reflects the experience of a new generation of Jews navigating identity, assimilation and ambition in a rapidly changing society.
Over time, The Jazz Singer has become a cultural milestone, repeatedly reimagined for radio, television and film. Examining four major versions released across more than five decades offers a unique lens through which to view the evolving position of Jews in American life over the last century.
Featured Films:
The Jazz Singer (1927)
Directed by Alan Crosland and starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy and Warner Oland
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
The Jazz Singer (1952)
Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Danny Thomas, Eduard Franz and Peggy Lee
Wednesday, January 20, 2027
The Jazz Singer (1959)
Directed by Ralph Nelson and starring Jerry Lewis, Eduard Franz and Anna Maria Alberghetti
Wednesday, March 17, 2027
The Jazz Singer (1980)
Directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier and Lucy Arnaz
Wednesday, May 5, 2027
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
November 11, 2026
January 20, 2027
March 17, 2027
May 5, 2027
OFFERED IN-PERSON
Author of The American Jewish Story through Cinema, Dr. Eric Goldman cohosted the Turner Classic Movies series The Projected Image: The Jewish Experience on Film. An adjunct professor of cinema at Yeshiva University, he is currently completing a book on Israeli film and cohosts Jewish Cinematheque on JBSTV.
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
November 11, 2026
January 20, 2027
March 17, 2027
May 5, 2027
Samson Raphaelson’s The Jazz Singer, originally written for the stage and later adapted for the screen, has captivated American audiences since its groundbreaking theatrical film debut in 1927. Widely recognized as the first feature-length film with synchronized dialogue, it marked the beginning of the sound era in cinema and permanently changed film history.
At its core, The Jazz Singer tells a distinctly American story. It follows a first-generation Jewish son torn between religious and cultural tradition and the lure of the American dream. The narrative reflects the experience of a new generation of Jews navigating identity, assimilation and ambition in a rapidly changing society.
Over time, The Jazz Singer has become a cultural milestone, repeatedly reimagined for radio, television and film. Examining four major versions released across more than five decades offers a unique lens through which to view the evolving position of Jews in American life over the last century.
Featured Films:
The Jazz Singer (1927)
Directed by Alan Crosland and starring Al Jolson, May McAvoy and Warner Oland
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
The Jazz Singer (1952)
Directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Danny Thomas, Eduard Franz and Peggy Lee
Wednesday, January 20, 2027
The Jazz Singer (1959)
Directed by Ralph Nelson and starring Jerry Lewis, Eduard Franz and Anna Maria Alberghetti
Wednesday, March 17, 2027
The Jazz Singer (1980)
Directed by Richard Fleischer and starring Neil Diamond, Laurence Olivier and Lucy Arnaz
Wednesday, May 5, 2027
Author of The American Jewish Story through Cinema, Dr. Eric Goldman cohosted the Turner Classic Movies series The Projected Image: The Jewish Experience on Film. An adjunct professor of cinema at Yeshiva University, he is currently completing a book on Israeli film and cohosts Jewish Cinematheque on JBSTV.