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 Fiddler On The Roof (1971), adapted from the stage play, is a joyous and nostalgic musical of hope and family love. The story follows Tevye (Topol) a poor milkman whose family is about to face oppression from his Russian czar. Nominated for eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director, the film is best remembered for classic songs such as "If I Were A Rich Man" and "Sunrise Sunset."
Tevye, his wife Golde (Norma Crane), and their three daughters, live on a small farm in a Ukraine village. Although Tevye is poor, his love of family  has kept his spirits high. As his daughters begin to choose new roads to follow, Tevye fears losing the family traditions; and if he objects he may lose his daughters altogether.
Tzeitel (Rosalind Harris), Tevye's eldest daughter, has her eye on the tailor Motel (Leonard Frey). When she tells her father she wishes to marry Motel, he
Leonard Frey, Topel,
Rosalind Harris
calls in the local matchmaker Yente (Molly Picon) and soon Tzeitel is betrothed to butcher Lazar Wolf (Paul Mann), who will fill Tevye's coffers with much needed money.
Tevye has little time to worry about Tzeitel's refusal to marry the butcher as Hodel (Michele Marsh) falls in love with Perchik (Paul Michael Glaser). He's a student and part of an organization revolting against the Czarist regime. More drama ensues when Chava (Neva Small) falls for the Russian peasant Fyedka (Raymond Lovelock). He's from another region and unfamiliar with the local customs of Anatevka.
From the chills produced by the thrilling opening song of "Tradition," the
Topel
family's plight - added to by the town's thinking the family is jeopardizing the village traditions and way of life by allowing the wayward girls to think they can control their own destiny - unfolds through a round of memorable tunes. Themes of ageism, loyalty, Jewish traditions, Biblical teachings and fear of a Russian revolution swirl with every genuine note sung.
The performances in the movie, some by the actors who performed the stage play, are exceptional. More than singing and roles fraught with conflict, several actors must handle a heartfelt tragedy in the story and do it exceptionally well. The movie is long, so viewers will want to make sure this is a film they will enjoy before purchasing it, but it's a classic to see for sure.
Fiddler On The Roof won Oscars for Best Cinematography - Oswald Morris, Best Music and Original Scoring - John Williams, Best Sound Gordon K. McCallum, David Hildyard. It also earned Oscar nominations: Best Picture - Norman Jewison, Best Director - Norman Jewison Best Actor in a Leading Role - Topel; Best Actor in a Supporting Role - Leonard Frey and Best Art Direction-Set Decoration - Robert F. Boyle, Michael Stringer, Peter Lamont.
The 2003 2-Disc 1970s DVD edition comes with a 17-page 70s Time Capsule and 70s Hits CD.
Director: Norman Jewison
Writers: Buck Henry, Calder Willingham - screenplay; Charles Webb - novel.
Cast Members: Chaim (Tevye), Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, Paul Mann, Rosalind Harris, Stella Courtney, Stanley Fleet, Jacob Kalich, Paul Michael Glaser
Rating: Not Rated -
DVD Release Date: 04/01/2003
Classic Movie Guide Rating: 4.5 our of 5 stars
Run Time: 181 minutes
Studio: MGM
Format: Color - widescreen
Photo credits: United Artists/MGM Home Entertainment
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