Review of Fiddler on the Roof (1971) by Kevin R — 04 May 2013

If I were a wealthy man.

Tevye is a poor Jew in pre-revolutionary Russia. He is married and has three daughters that are of marrying age. In their culture, the father selects who his daughters marry. He tries to pick places where they will have money and live well. But traditions are changing and his daughters will try to make Tevye keep up with the times...especially when they do not like the husbands he has selected. Will Tevye give into his daughters and evolve or will he stick to the traditions?

"We're going to Chicago, America.".

"We're going to New York, America. We'll be neighbors.".

Norman Jewison, director of The Hurricane, Moonstruck, Other People's Money, The Thomas Crown Affair (1968), In the Heat of the Night (1967), and The Cincinnati Kid, delivers Fiddler of the Roof. The storyline for this picture is awesome and amazingly compelling. The characters are mesmerizing and the script and soundtrack is brilliant. The cast delivers captivating performances and includes Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Fray, Molly Picon, and Paul Michael Glaser.

"He'll beat you every night.".

"But only when he's sober.".

"So you're alright.".

I DVR'd this picture during Turner Classic Movies' (TCM) Oscar week. This just felt like a film I should see and it definitely did not disappoint. I loved every minute of this film and it surely did not feel like a 3 hour plus film. I can tell you that you get wrapped in the storyline so quickly that it is like reading a good book that before you know it, it's over. I strongly recommend seeing this movie and adding it to your DVD collection.

"If you spit in the air it will land on your face.".

Grade: A+.