Tevie, o Leiteiro

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".

Superbly acted and presented drama that beautifully illuminates its source material. Shot on a potato farm on Long Island for $70,000, producer/director/star Maurice Schwartz's lovingly handcrafted production puts contemporary Hollywood product (not to mention 1971's bloated "Fiddler on the Roof") to shame. Definitely not for Yiddish-language aficionados only; this is historical entertainment at its best.

If you watch "Tevya", you might be surprised to learn that it was filmed at the old Biograph Studio in Manhattan...though I suspect that many of the outdoor scenes were filmed in far off Long Island or other New York boroughs, as I cannot imagine that there were places in Manhattan that could double as farm land. It's also surprising because the film is made entirely in Yiddish! It might surprise you to know that many Yiddish films were made in the States for consumption by Jewish audiences around the world.

The story is essentially the same as "Fiddler on the Roof" by Sholom Aleichem... but without the music, singing or expensive sets. It also runs only about 90 minutes...as opposed to double the length for the Hollywood musical.

The story finds Tevya seeing the worst of life, as his youngest daughter defies him to go off to marry a Gentile. Essentially, she is now dead to her family. To make matters worse, her mother soon dies and Tevya and the remaining family members are ordered off the land...the result of yet another Russian pogrom.

The story is not pleasant, but how could you tell the Russian Jewish experience of the 19th century without much sadness and persecution? I see it less as a fun film (it certainly ISN'T), but an important one as it documents a lost way of life...and fits in well with other stories such as "America, America" and "Roots".

Overall, while not pleasant it's very well made and the acting by director/screenwriter Maurice Schwartz is a standout. For those who find "Fiddler on the Roof" overlong and ponderous (I know there aren't many...but I found the film too long and slow), it's a decent alternative.

I noticed this on TV after it started, so I missed the beginning. However, what I saw, which was most of it, moved me greatly.

I grew up in a home where Yiddish was used by my parents when they didn't want the kids to understand. Russian was used when they really didn't want us to understand! Unfortunately my Yiddish is not up to fully understanding the dialogue of the movie, though a meaningful percentage did come through. The titles were OK, and sometimes inadequate.

To compare this to Fiddler is impossible. This is a tragedy and Fiddler is a musical. The acting is very good. It is old-fashioned acting, with large emotions and gesture. The Yiddish, that which I could understand, is a very nice Yiddish. No Americanisms in it, as the Yiddish I heard at home.

One thing that was disturbing was the stereotypical portrayal of the non-Jewish characters. They were portrayed as coarse and mean-spirited. Of course, in a steytl in 19th century Russia, that was probably the norm.

I recommend this film to all. To those who grew up in an immigrant Jewish household, it is a must.

Much more insightful than fiddler.

If you want to learn more about yiddish / ashkenazic culture, this film is a far better choice than fiddler.

This film also provides a much stronger and fuller character of Tevye.