The Jazz Singer

Neil Diamond made his acting debut in the third screen version of this story about a cantor's son who risks his relationship with his father (Laurence Olivier) when he gives up religious singing to become a pop star. Samson Raphaelson's play about a talented singer's attempts to break away from a restrictive religious family was first filmed in 1927 with Al Jolson - when it became the first talkie. Neil Diamond carries this remake - although he was the first-ever actor to win the notorious “Razzie” Award for his performance here - singing his own songs (including “America”, “Love on the Rocks”, and “Hello Again”) with verve.