Fiddler On The Roof

Fiddler on the Roof: A ReviewBy: Natalie EFiddler on the Roof began as a series of stories about Tevye the Dairyman, first written in 1894 by a famous Yiddish author and playwright. Over time, these stories were adapted for Broadway stage performances and finally, a 1971 film adaptation of the play. It was directed and produced by Norman Jewison, with Chaim Topol starring as Tevye, and Norma Crane as Tevye’s wife, Golde. This film won many awards for its music and acting, being commended as the best staging of this story, although one critic wrote that the story was incredibly boring.When the film opens in the small village of Anatevka, you meet Tevye, a poor dairyman who constantly talks to God about anything from the amount of money he has, to the struggles of finding righteous and scholarly husbands for his five daughters. His wife, Golde, is an excellent housewife who desires to find an excellent match, preferably a rich one, for each of her children. So, when Yente the matchmaker informs Golde that the wealthy butcher, Lazar Wolf, desires to wed her oldest daughter Tzeitel, she grabs her opportunity, sending Tevye to Lazar’s to arrange their marriage. Initially, Tevye is reluctant, but after some consideration, he accepts the offer. When he tells Tzeitel about the match, she weeps, begging her father to reconsider. Soon after, Tzietel’s friend Motel comes in and proposes, informing Tevye of his and Tzeitel’s pledge of marriage. Tevye struggles with this breach of tradition, but eventually gives his permission and, although their wedding was interrupted by a troop of soldiers, both were happy.Months later, a very untraditional Perchik proposes to Hodel, Tevye’s second eldest. She accepts, and they go to ask her father for his blessing, not permission. After a lengthy discussion with himself, Tevye agrees, giving both his blessing and permission. Eventually, Perchick is arrested, and Hodel goes to join him. Soon after, the third daughter, Chava, elopes with a Russian boy who her father forbid her from seeing. When Tevye learns of this, he disowns Chava, telling everyone to act as if she is dead. In the following months, an announcement goes out, ordering all Jews to leave Anatevka. The Jews pack what they can, selling the rest and mourning their imminent departure, eventually leaving in a long line, each to seek his own destination.Tevye was played by Chaim Topol, an excellent actor who, though young at the time of filming, managed to capture the voice and posture of a man nearly twenty years his senior. Norma Crane starred as Golde, Tevye’s wife, giving a very convincing performance of the dream interpreting matron and strict housewife, managing to add a bit of gentleness to her character. Rosalind Harris, Michelle Marsh, and Neva Small depicted Tevye’s three eldest daughters, and each actress played their part well, showing just the right amount of sweetness, spunk, and level headedness for their characters. Another actress of note is Molly Picon, who portrayed Yente the matchmaker as a sweet, silly, absentminded old lady, who is also the town gossip.I thought this movie was quite charming and a good view into small town Jewish life. Though it has been classified as a musical, it should also be a comedy, since the antics of the characters lead to laughs all around, and a drama, because of, well, the drama. One second you are laughing your head off, and the next you feel about to cry. I like this movie because it had a sort of rawness mixed with reality that is rare now. This effect is gained by awesome music and vocals, costumes with noticeable texturing that fit the occasion, and some small form of messiness in the scene. However, I did not like how Tevye’s children continually disobey him and get away with it. Golde also deceives Tevye on multiple occasions. All things considered, this movie was well made, showing an attention to detail in the costumes and characters, bringing them to life with such accuracy, you find it hard to believe they aren’t real.

This is a great movie! Yes, and you don't have to be Jewish to enjoy this masterpiece. Perfect casting of characters and I love all the songs. Standouts would be: Tradition + If I Were A Rich Man + Matchmaker, Matchmaker + Sunrise, Sunset + Chava Ballet Sequence. To be honest, I had to watch this DVD in 2 parts since "Fiddler On The Roof" runs for about 3 hours. How Chaim TOPOL (although nominated) did not win the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1972 is beyond me. The Academy folks gave this Award to Gene Hackman for his portrayal of Popeye Doyle in "The French Connesction". Trouble is, lots of male actors could play Popeye Doyle, but if you ask me, how many of them could play Reb Tevye??? It takes a boat-load of talent, and TOPOL does a super magnificent job !!! WOW !!! Perhaps if TOPOL were an American actor instead of being from Israel, he would have won the Academy Award in 1972. God knows !!! (forgive the pun, hahaha) I happen to like Gene Hackman, but the Best Actor Award should have gone to TOPOL. / AND... AND... AND...Excellent Movie but Optional English Subtitles (for the deaf and hard of hearing) was totally DISAPPOINTING !!! Who decided to add subtitles for the conversations.... but not the songs??? After all, "Fiddler On The Roof" is known for its tremendous songs . Why not add English Subtitles for these songs too??? / Anyhow, with all that, "Fiddler On The Roof" still stands as one of the BEST MUSICALS of all time. The wedding song "Sunrise, Sunset" has always been my favourite, and these words will stay with me forever: "Sunrise, Sunset...Sunrise, Sunset... Swiftly Fly The Years...One Season Following Another... Laiden With Happiness and Tears." / ps: As a point of interest, the song "When Messiah Comes" was excluded because of the 3 hour movie length. Too bad, because I heard the original sung by Herschel Bernardi (who sang in the Broadway play) and what a terrific song this was. As Mick Jagger would say: "You can't always get what you want." (I'm a big fan of The Rolling Stones too)