To celebrate the 89th anniversary of the making of the first talking picture, The Jazz Singer, as well as ‘Talkies Day’ which falls tomorrow, the local branch of the International Al Jolson Society has put up an exhibition in Fgura.

The exhibition focuses on the 1927 American musical starring Al Jolson. This was the first feature-length motion picture with synchronised dialogue sequences and its release meant the birth of ‘talkies’ and, in contrast, the decline of the silent film era.

The Jazz Singer starred Jolson in the role of Jakie Rabinowitz/Jack Robin, a young man who defies the traditions of his devout Jewish family as he attempts to build a career as an entertainer. His professional ambitions, however, ultimately come into conflict with the demands of his home and heritage. Jolson wore blackface during the film in which he performed six songs.

Moreover, The Jazz Singer was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry of culturally, historically or aesthetically significant motion pictures.

 

■ The exhibition runs until Monday, October 10 at the Galleria Shopping and Entertainment Centre, Żabbar Road, Fgura from 8am to 10pm. Entrance is free. For more information, call 9988 0489.

Al Jolson tries to build a career as an entertainer in The Jazz Singer (1927).

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