laholly

I am not sure how I came across this episode,but as a huge fan of John Raitt I am very glad I did. When the power went out in the diner, Jane Curtin suggested singing show tunes and "Trucker Gil" turn around,takes off his hat and I saw that shock of white hair, I wanted to cheer! Then "Gil" says "I reckon I can do that" I wanted the episode to go on forever just to hear that voice! I have to admit that I didn't watch third rock as much as I should have,but this episode was well worth a second look. I never did see it again,but am considering purchasing the DVD just to be thrilled again.

Thanks so much Lee Ann in Ohio

I saw this movie originally on the "Wonderful world of Disney",long before I read the book for an education class in college. I also taught my 8th grade language arts class part of James Otis' wonderful speech about the price of independence. I do not remember if the speech is in the film,but if it was it was wasted because the powers that be at Disney in 1956 decided to change the ending. A previous review mentioned the same thing... by not allowing the character of Rab Silsbee to die after the Battle of Lexington, the entire perspective of the film disappears. I once had a father ask me if it was OK if his son,who did not want to read the book, watched the movie , I told him sure, if he wanted to fail the class.... the teacher would have known immediately that he had not read the book,because he would have no clue about "that a man can stand up".

That said, the movie is well cast,especially the characters of Dr Warren, Paul Revere and James Otis.(Jeff York as always was wonderful).

Hal Stalmaster, who never to my knowledge made another film is just fair as Johnny.Dick(Richard)Beymer is a little goofy as Rab and has fun with the part(unfortunately it doesn't go anywhere.)Luana Patten as Cilla was too old for the part. A previous reviewer said that this film is ripe for a remake. I totally agree. Lets make a film(made for TV or otherwise that really does this literary treasure justice!

The biggest mistake that Neil Diamond made in doing this film was calling it "The jazz singer",because it is not a remake of the classic Jolson film. That said, let me say that i really enjoyed this film.

Diamond does and admirable job as the young would be cantor caught between his love of music and his love for his father, and he doesn't seem to be intmidated by the fact that Laurence Olivier plays his father. The film moves fairly well once Yussel decides to follow his dream and pursue a career in music. It probably isn't the best movie ev er made, but it is certainly worth a look. And the music score is wonderful. "America" (coming to America) became an anthem for immigrants at the time the movie was made.

Definitely worth a look