The original, non-musical film version of the book which inspired "Fiddler on the Roof".The original, non-musical film version of the book which inspired "Fiddler on the Roof".The original, non-musical film version of the book which inspired "Fiddler on the Roof".
- Awards
- 1 win
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAlthough he isn't credited as an author of the script, the film is a faithful adaptation of the stage play "Tevye the Dairyman," written by Sholem Aleichem himself shortly before his death in 1916. He first offered the play to Jacob P. Adler, one of the great actors of the Yiddish theater, who declined, because there was no romantic leading role. Maurice Schwartz heard about the play, bought the rights from Sholem Aleichem's widow and staged it with himself in the lead role, to great success. Two decades later, he turned it into this film. The script is substantially as written by Sholem Aleichem, despite the introduction of characters and elements not contained in his original short stories.
- GoofsTowards the end of the film, Tevye says his daughter's plea, "My people are your people," is from the Book of Ecclesiastes. It's actually from the Book of Ruth.
- Quotes
Tevya 'Tevye': He's as accustomed to the whip as I am to poverty.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Almonds and Raisins (1984)
Featured review
I played the part of Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof but this movie surpasses the 1971 musical.
I had the pleasure of performing as Tevye in a Flagstaff AZ production of Fiddler on the Roof in 1999. I have to say after watching Tevye the Milkman (1939) I was astounded at the story and portrayal of Tevye in this movie. It was not only outstanding but moved me to tears. I was amazed at the events that took place. Some being similar to the musical version but the 1939 version was much more emotional and moving. If you think Fiddler on the Roof (Topal) was great, then you must see this movie. Strip away the music and tell the tale as it was written and you have one of the most outstanding straight plays I have ever seen. A true portrayal of the suffering of the Russian Jews. A big "Thumbs Up".
helpful•222
- johnnygnote
- Nov 6, 2001
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $70,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 33 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.37 : 1
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