Holy shit, sound is fucking shocking! This movie was as much of a ticking time bomb as history says it is. As soon as Al Jolson opened his mouth I felt the sensation of wanting more. Hollywood was going to blow up in sound, that was for sure based on this film.
The story is great, but the example of sound, especially singing is what makes this movie a classic. Again the storyline is bold, dealing with real family problems, immigrant family problems, and not beating around the bush in terms of what those problems are. A son from a religiously Jewish family just wants to sing and perform but he knows he would be cast out of his family if his father caught him doing it. He's torn between his desire to follow his dreams and the brutal reality of family tradition outweighing individual freedom and happiness.
The stories of the 20’s were bold and provocative.