THE JAZZ SINGER 1953

The Jazz Singer
Warner Bros., 1953, Color, 107 minutes, ***
General release January, 1953

Danny Thomas tackles the role played previously by Al Jolson and later by Neil Diamond. He's the son of a cantor who returns home following a stint in the military during the Korean War and decides he wants to pursue a career in the theater. His decision puts him at odds with his father, who wants Thomas to replace him at the synagogue. Peggy Lee and Eduard Franz co-star; songs include "Just One of Those Things" and "Living the Life I Love."

Produced by: Louis F. Edelman
Directed by: Michael Curtiz
Assistant Director: Chuck Hansen
Screen Play by: Frank Davis & Leonard Stern and Lewis Meltzer
Based on the play by Samson Raphaelson
Produced on the stage by Albert Lewis and Max Gordon in association with Sam H. Harris
New Songs: "Living the Life I Love," "I Hear the Music Now," "What Are New Yorkers Made Of" by Sammy Fain and Jerry Seelen
Songs: "Lover" by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart; "Just One of Those Things" by Cole Porter; "I'll String Along with You" by Al Dubin, Harry Warren; "The Birth of the Blues" by B. G. DeSylva, Lew Brown, Ray Henderson; "This Is a Very Special Day" by Peggy Lee
Musical Direction by: Ray Heindorf
Vocal Arrangements by: Norman Luboff
Musical Numbers Staged and Directed by: LeRoy Prinz
Technical Advisor: Rabbi Morton A. Bauman
Art Director: Leo K. Kuter
Costume Design: Howard Shoup
Sound by: C. A. Riggs, David Forrest
Set Decorator: George James Hopkins
Wardrobe by: Howard Shoup
Makeup Artist: Gordon Bau
Director of Photography: Carl Guthrie
Color by Technicolor
Technicolor Color Consultant: Mitchell G. Kovaleski
Film Editor: Alan Crosland, Jr.

Awards: Academy Award nomination for Best Score - Musical (Ray Heindorf and Max Steiner)

Cast: Danny Thomas [Jerry Golding], Peggy Lee [Judy Lane], Mildred Dunnock [Mrs. Golding], Eduard Franz [Cantor Golding], Tom Tully [McGurney], Alex Gerry [Uncle Louie], Allyn Joslyn [George Miller], Harold Gordon [Rabbi Roth], Hal Ross [Joseph], Justin Smith [Phil Stevens], Anitra Stevens [Yvonne], Saul Silverman [singing voice of Eduard Franz]

Musical Program: [0:00] Overture: includes vocal excerpt of "Living the Life I Love" (played by Orchestra behind titles); [0:02] Hashkivenu (sung by Temple Choir, Saul Silverman dubbing for Eduard Franz, and Danny Thomas); [0:08] Just One of Those Things (sung by Peggy Lee); [0:15] Living the Life I Love (sung by Danny Thomas); [0:24] Hush-A-Bye (excerpt sung by Danny Thomas and Mildred Dunnock); [0:29] Kol Nidre (excerpt sung by Saul Silverman dubbing for Eduard Franz and Temple Choir); [0:30] This Is a Very Special Day (sung by Peggy Lee and Danny Thomas); [0:31] This Is a Very Special Day (sung by Peggy Lee, Danny Thomas and Chorus); [0:37] Oh Moon (sung by Danny Thomas); [0:40] I Hear the Music Now (sung by Peggy Lee and Danny Thomas); [0:42] Velvo Suds (commercial jingle sung by Danny Thomas); [0:50] What Are New Yorkers Made Of (sung and danced by Peggy Lee, Danny Thomas and Chorus); [0:58] Jewish Hymn (excerpt sung by Temple Choir); [1:01] Jewish Hymn (sung by Saul Silverman dubbing for Eduard Franz); [1:19] Lover (sung by Peggy Lee); [1:22] Medley / Montage: I'm Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover / I'll String Along with You / Breezin' Along with the Breeze / If I Could Be with You (One Hour Tonight) / The Birth of the Blues (sung by Danny Thomas); [1:29] This Is a Very Special Day (sung by Peggy Lee and Danny Thomas); [1:35] Hush-A-Bye (sung by Danny Thomas); [1:44] Kol Nidre (sung by Danny Thomas); [1:45] Living the Life I Love (sung by Danny Thomas); Excerpts of several other unidentifed