135. The Jazz Singer

135. (09 Jul) The Jazz Singer (1952, Michael Curtiz) 32



Danny Thomas has no business stepping into the role Al Jolson made so iconic. He's an uncomfortable screen presence, doing nothing to sell lame jokes, middling musical numbers and wearisome drama. Only Peggy Lee makes a favorable impression. Mildred Dunnock, following up Death of a Salesman, is especially wasted. This is an unnecessary remake if ever there was one and a waste of a Musical Score nomination. There's not even a rendition of "My Mammy."

TCM is Re-releasing "Singin' in the Rain"...

...on July 12th in select theaters for its 60th anniversary. More info here. List of theaters here.

Oscar Oddity #2: The Bad and the Beautiful

This 1952 film earned five Oscar wins from six nominations, which is not that odd. However, the film was not even nominated for Best Picture. As such, this film holds the distinction of winning the most Academy Awards without being a Best Picture nominee. Other films have come close with four wins, but none have eclipsed this record.