In New York City, Yussel Rabinowitz (Neil Diamond) trains to be a
cantor. Although his father (Laurence Olivier) and wife, Rivka (Catlin
Adams), don't approve, he also sings and writes songs for a black soul
group under the name Jess Robin. When the group gets an opportunity in
California, their leader, Bubba (Franklyn Ajaye), asks Jess to join
them. Reluctantly, Rivka and his father let him go. In Los Angeles, Jess
meets record company executive Molly Bell (Lucie Arnaz). Impressed by
his music, she tries to promote him. However, Jess still struggles and
is about to give up when Molly gets him a solo TV spot. Just as Jess
seems set for stardom, Rivka and his father arrive to plead for his
return.Samson Raphaelson's play about a talented singer's attempts to
break away from a restrictive religious family was first filmed in
1927--when it became the first talkie. This--the third version--was made
in 1980. Directed by Richard Fleischer after another director was
dismissed, the film focuses on Molly's struggles to find opportunities
for Jess, then on Jess's subsequent concert performances. Neil Diamond
carries the film, singing his own songs with verve.