Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Elvis's most famous film, in which he lands behind bars on a manslaughter charge, learns how to play the title track (and assorted others) while there, and becomes a top-notch rock 'n' roll star once he is released. It's a marvellous showcase for Presley to display his considerable musical talents, take part in some toe-tapping, energetic numbers and corrupt the youth of 1950s America by taking his shirt off and looking sultry whenever possible. Not exactly high art, but boy is it fun.

read our review » | buy ringtone »

The Jazz Singer (1927)

A real landmark in cinematic history. The first sound film in which dialogue and song managed to capture the public's imagination. The story tells of a boy who rejects his Jewish faith but is later drawn back to his family and religion before becoming a jazz star. Audiences were captivated by star Al Jolson turning to them and saying, "Wait a minute. You ain't heard nothing yet. Do you want to hear Toot, Toot, Tootsie?" They did, and the rest is cinema history.

read our review » | buy video »

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Melvyn Bragg were the forces behind this massively successful stage to screen translation. Director Norman Jewison plonks a load of hippies in the desert, and lo! it's a play-within-a-play as they put on their own musical out of the back of a camper van. Movie afficionados like to watch out for a fleeting appearance by porn star Ron Jeremy among the film's unwashed masses!

read our review » | buy ringtone » | buy video »

Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Following his career as mullet-haired heartthrob Scott in Neighbours, Jason Donovan starred in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s vibrant musical. Following his lead have been Philip Schofield and Stephen Gately. The show is based on a bible story, which follows the fortunes of Joseph, Jacob’s favourite son, who is blessed with the gift for interpreting dreams. With Webber’s infuriatingly catchy tunes and Tim Rice’s lyrics, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat will no doubt continue its long stint on London’s stages.

buy soundtrack »