Fiddler on the Roof

( 42 )

Overview

Norman Jewison's adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical is set in the Ukranian ghetto village of Anatevka the film was actually lensed in Yugoslavia. Israeli actor Topol repeats his London stage role as Tevye the milkman, whose equilibrium is constantly being challenged by his poverty, the prejudicial attitudes of non-Jews, and the romantic entanglements of his five daughters. Whenever the weight of the world becomes too much for him, Tevye carries on lengthy conversations with God, who does not answer ...
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Overview

Norman Jewison's adaptation of the long-running Broadway musical is set in the Ukranian ghetto village of Anatevka the film was actually lensed in Yugoslavia. Israeli actor Topol repeats his London stage role as Tevye the milkman, whose equilibrium is constantly being challenged by his poverty, the prejudicial attitudes of non-Jews, and the romantic entanglements of his five daughters. Whenever the weight of the world becomes too much for him, Tevye carries on lengthy conversations with God, who does not answer but is at least more willing to listen than the milkman's remonstrative wife Golde. After arranging a marriage between his oldest daughter Tzeitel and wealthy butcher Lazar Wolf, Tevye is forced to do some quick rearranging when the girl falls in love with poor tailor Motel Kamzoil. Fancying himself more broad-minded than his gentile oppressors, Tevye cannot accept the notion that his other daughter Chava would want to marry Fyedka, a non-Jew. And after shouting the praises of "tradition," Tevye must change his tune-and his entire life-when he and his neighbors are forced out of Anatevka by the Czar's minions. Topol's co-stars include Norma Crane as Golde, Yiddish theater legend Molly Picon as Yente the matchmaker, and Leonard Frey as Motel.
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide
Spirited, funny, and deeply affecting, 1971's Fiddler on the Roof is a successful adaptation of its stage counterpart. Topol makes the transition from the London stage production with ease, and the supporting performances are similarly strong. Most crucial, however, is the quality of the big set pieces: gorgeously staged and musically flawless, the joyous "Tradition" and the tear-inducing "Sunrise, Sunset" leap from the screen. Director Norman Jewison makes full use of the advantages of film; thanks to the rich, on-location scenery, the material doesn't feel as if it's been subjected to a quick big-screen makeover. Fiddler was a huge success -- it was the second highest-grossing movie of the year (after The Godfather) and took home Oscars for cinematography, sound, and score. Without a doubt, it's much more sentimental than the New Hollywood films that dominated the era, but it never hits a false note.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 9/10/1996
  • UPC: 027616174437
  • Original Release: 1971

    • Rating:

  • Source: Mgm (Video & Dvd)
  • Format: VHS

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
Topol Tevye
Norma Crane Golde
Leonard Frey Motel
Molly Picon Yente
Paul Mann Lazar Wolf
Rosalind Harris Tzeitel
Sammy Bayes Russian Dancer
Theodore Bikel
Candy Bonstein Bielke
Ina Claire
Brian Coburn Beri
Sarah Cohen Bashe
Patience Collier Grandma Tzeitel
Stella Courtney Shandel
Barry Dennen Mendel
Otto Diamant Yussel
Arnold Diamond Moishe
Vernon Dobtcheff Russian Official
Elaine Edwards Shprintze
Stanley Fleet Farcel
Paul Michael Glaser Perchik
Howard Goorney Nachum
Aharon Ipalé Shefrel
Miki Iveria Bess
Carl Jaffe Isaac
Peter Johnston Russian Dancer
Jacob Kalich Yankel
Tutte Lemkow Fiddler
George Little Hone
Raymond Lovelock Fyedka
Ruth Madoc Fruma Sarah
Mark Malicz Ezekial
Alfred Maron Previous Rabbi
Michele Marsh Hodel
Vladimir Medar Priest
Roger Lloyd Pack Sexton
Albin Pahernik Jewish Male Dancer
Marika Rivera Rifka
Shimen Ruskin Mordcha
Zvee Scooler Rabbi
Alfie Scopp Avram
Neva Small Chava
Bob Stevenson Bottle Dancer
Louis Zorich Constable
John Williams [composer] Conductor
Technical Credits
Norman Jewison Director, Producer
Thomas Abbott Choreography
Sammy Bayes Choreography
Jerry Bock Score Composer
Robert F. Boyle Production Designer
Joan Bridge Costumes/Costume Designer
Antony Gibbs Editor
Elizabeth Haffenden Costumes/Costume Designer
Sheldon Harnick Songwriter
Peter Lamont Set Decoration/Design
Robert Lawrence Editor
Oswald Morris Cinematographer
Terry Nelson Asst. Director
Patrick Palmer Associate Producer
Arnold Perl Original Story
Harold Prince Producer
Jerome Robbins Choreography
Wally Schneiderman Makeup
Joseph Stein Screenwriter
Michael Stringer Production Designer, Set Decoration/Design
John Williams [composer] Musical Arrangement
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 5
( 42 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(37)

4 Star

(3)

3 Star

(2)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(0)

Your Rating:

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 42 Customer Reviews

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    A beautiful experience

    Had not seen this movie in some 20 years and it was wonderful to see again.Though I had seen the play several times before the movie was able to do some much more than the original work. I was able to share this with someone in their mid 30's who had never seen it or heard about it and found her enjoyment of the entire movie to be a double pleasure for me. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience "Fiddler".

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    An Excellent Classic

    This film of the great Broadway musical is magnificent. The actors are well suited to their roles, the singing and dancing are wonderful and the emotion is heartfelt and real. You will laugh and cry at the same time.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Glad I watched this

    It took me a long time to get up the nerve to watch this movie. I expected some long drawn out movie, so I always put it off. It sat on my table for weeks. Now I am glad I watched it. It was funny, entertaining, dramatic and enjoyable. I was actually surprised at how many of the songs I knew. Its definitely not light viewing, but it is a must see. The interaction between Topal and Norma Crane was great and often made me laugh. The dissolution of the family although predictable was still heartbreaking at times. There are times in the movie where it just seemed a little lame, thus my not so enthusiastic recommendation, but overall I liked it.

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Worth the dollar

    A masterpiece is the best title I could give this musical. Topol was cast very well, His godly performance could not been done any better by anyone else. The cast was very well chosen with such harmonic voices that the blend is suitable to any movie viewer and an absolute must for the hardcore movie buffs. Upon renting and viewing this movie the first time seeing it, I returned it immediately and went out and bought it and watch this at least once a week and has yet to get boring. Memorable songs like 'Tradition', 'Sunrise, Sunset' and the favourite 'If I were a rich man' keep my friends and family questioning me about it's origins. Even now I have noticed that primetime TV mentions Fiddler on the Roof in it's shows...It's just that good. It really is worth the dollar either to rent, own, or live theatre so help spread the word for others to enjoy. ^.^

    1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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  • Posted December 9, 2010

    I Also Recommend:

    Star Wars Trilogy
    Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
    Family Guy Star Wars Trilogy
    Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
    Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones

    this musical rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    one very awesome intelligent movie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    West Side Story

    My favorite movie ever

    the best film i have ever seen wonderful musical

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Fiddler on the Roof

    This is an old classic. I bought it for may granddaughter because she is trying out for the play at her school. I felt she needed to watch the movie firt to understand the play better. It is rather advanced for her but she loved the music and it helped her perfect the songs she will sing in the play.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Story of my life!

    Fiddler on the Roof was incredible. It goes way back to my great-grandmother. Anyone can relate to this film. It's a classic

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Tradition!

    O My Gosh!!! The Best Musical Ever. And The Songs: Tradition,Matchmaker,If I were a Rich man Ect.. Put It in your collection! right next to West Side Story and Grease!!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    The Best Musical Ever!!

    I saw the movie and had to buy the soundtrack! The music is fantastic and the story line is even better!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    "FIDDLER" FOR MY ROOTS! :-)

    05/17/05 What I like best about "Fiddler": how it draws me to my roots! (The Ukraine of 100 years ago during The Czar's empire.) Although Topol did not originate the role on Broadway (Zero Mostel did in the 1960s), film is a wonderful medium for Topol's soul. And, he could easily have been my great-grandfather-- musing upon the rooftop of a Jewish ghetto, or in a shtetl. Such is the power of the film medium-- complete with song-- to tug at our heart strings-- to be "Fiddler" for our roots! :-)

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me this match!

    Personally this is the best musical ever made. The music is delightful and combined with the exuberant cast, is a perfect match.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Fiddler on the Roof Triumphs

    Fiddler on the Roof is the BEST musical ever made

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    ''Fiddler on the Roof'' is a ''Tradition'' at our house

    Every December as I get the holiday baking done, I watch this movie with the kids and we sing and dance and bake! The music is uplifting and wonderful. A must see! Truely a classic

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    TRADITION!!!!

    Absolutely Fantastic!! I just watched the movie for the 1st time in 20 years. I Loved it!! We NEED MORE movies like this today!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!

    LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Fiddler on the Roof is the best classic.

    Fiddler on the Roof is a great classic. Topol did a great job playing Tevye. If you haven't seen the movie yet your missing out.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Real Life Movie

    This movie has shown the actual depiction and the real life facts of the Anti-Semitism which has been happening at the time. This movie is packed with a lot of excitement and comedy. A well played and well acted movie.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    After thousand of movies I cryed again

    the movie is just perfect

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Toe-tapping, Hand-slapping Score.... and Much More

    Awesome movie, visually stirring. The characters are portrayed so realistically that viewers must keep reminding themselves that this was ''filmed entertainment'', not a real life documentary. Further, you don't have to be Jewish, or Russian, to want schlep over and join in singing the lyrics to the songs. The melodies are so memorable that you will be haunted by them and driven to learn the lyrics. A wonderful masterpiece in the history of film. Highly recommended.

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 42 Customer Reviews