The Jazz Singer is a 1980s film starring Neil Diamond as a talented vocalist torn between tradition and family, and his dreams of becoming a successful pop singer. Starring Neil Diamond and Laurence Olivier, The Jazz Singer tells the story of fifth-generation cantor Yussel Rabinovitch (played by Diamond) who also pursues a career as a pop singer with the alias Jess Robin. His two worlds collide when he performs in blackface at a club and ends up in jail, only to be bailed out by his father (played by Olivier).

Universally panned by critics, the film still found an audience and brought in $27 million on a $13 million budget. Diamond took home best actor at the Golden Globes for his performance in 1981 while also receiving the Golden Raspberry Awards’ Worst Actor prize.

The film holds a special space within Jewish culture, speaking to the conflicts between generations, assimilation, and responsibilities of making sure Jewish legacies and traditions remain.