
The Jazz Singer

A young Jewish man is torn between tradition and individuality when his old-fashioned family objects to his career as a jazz singer. This is the first full length feature film to use synchronized sound, and is the original film musical.
Obviously difficult to parse with modern eyes given that a large part of this movie revolves around the use of blackface to make a thematic point. Setting that aside, if you can, you'll find a mostly fine drama about living your dreams and reconciling that with family obligation. What sets it apart from similar movies of this age that I've seen is the more specific characterization: Jakie feels like a person, and not just "the Son" or something. Obviously it's also a thrill to hear the songs sung, and after watching 40-some silents in a row I can imagine the thrill it would have produced for people at the time. But there's not much else to recommend it--historical interest only.