Fiddler on the Roof (1971) – This lavishly produced and critically acclaimed screen adaptation of the international stage sensation tells the life-affirming story of Tevye (Topol), a poor milkman whose love, pride and faith help him face the oppression of turn-of-the-century Czarist Russia. Nominated for eight Academy Awards.
Director:Â Norman Jewison (In the Heat of the Night, Jesus Christ Superstar)
Writer:Â Joseph Stein (The Addams Family, The Wiz)
Release Date:Â November 3, 1971
Domestic Box Office:Â $83.3 million
Top 5 Cast:
- Topol (The Comedians, The Spy Who Loved Me)
- Norma Crane (Kramer vs. Kramer, All the President’s Men)
- Leonard Frey (The Producers, Cabaret)
- Molly Picon (A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, I Remember Mama)
- Paul Mann (The Poseidon Adventure, The Towering Inferno)
Critical Reviews:
- Roger Ebert:Â “A beautifully made and acted film, with a score that is both haunting and joyous.”
- Gene Siskel:Â “A moving and uplifting film that celebrates the human spirit.”
- The New York Times:Â “A triumph of musical theater and filmmaking.”
- The Washington Post:Â “A timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.”
- The Los Angeles Times:Â “A masterful film that captures the essence of Jewish life in pre-revolutionary Russia.”
Cinematic Importance: Fiddler on the Roof (1971) is a landmark film that has been praised for its music, acting, and direction. It is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film is a celebration of the human spirit and the importance of tradition. It is a powerful and moving film that will stay with you long after you have seen it.
This is part of the Top 25 Movies 1970 to Today Series.
Read How Movies Changed in the 1970s to understand why we made this list.
To see a full list of the movies, click here.