This movie is known as the first American feature with sound (albeit only sequences, not throughout). It's a major plot point in Singin in the Rain, but is likely much, much less seen than Singin. Part of that is due to the regresive racial attitudes presented here, where star Al Jolson performs in blackface. For some time, it was less than fashionable for this movie to be seen at all as a result, but that makes it no less culturally significant. The blackface makes it embarassing, but if anything, it makes the cultural significance that much greater. A full review is coming soon.