I watched the Jazz Singer last night. The movie was originally released in 1980 – 38 years ago. Man, those songs are so important. And the actors are fantastic:
Neil Diamond
Laurence Olivier
Lucie Arnez
I remember watching that movie so many years ago and loving the music and wishing I had Lucie Arnez’s hair.
The movie starts and ends with the song, America. Oh the irony of watching this movie today with the current administration not wanting anyone into our country. The song at both times in the movie is powerful with images of the Statue of Liberty. Such a great way to start a movie:
“Far, We’ve been traveling far. Without a home, But not without a star. Free, Only want to be free, We huddle close. Hang on to a dream. On the boats and on the planes, They’re coming to America. Never looking back again, They’re coming to America”
The movie is about so many things: following your dream, finding love, the importance of family. I may just have to watch it again.
I loved the scenes with Neil Diamond dancing and singing with Laurence Olivier.
Watching the movie again reminded me of my obsession with with Laurence Olivier in the 90s. I watched every movie and read every book about him and Vivien Leigh.
One of my all-time favorite songs from Neil Diamond is “Songs of Life”. When music is such a big part of your life and songs bring you to a particular place in time, this song is so meaningful.
“Songs of life, they ring From quiet steeples to distant valleys Along the hillsides of lovers’ hearts, Of lovers’ heart.
Come sing you songs of life, And they will keep you, From ever wanting, from ever needing, Forever more, forever more.
Oh, and when the moment’s true It sings so softly to me and you, You know it’s true.
So I sing my songs of life, That I will hold you inside forever, And you will know me, And I’ll be yours and you’ll be mine.”