Tevye le laitier

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".

"Tevye and His Daughters"is a rather disjointed novel that was printed over a 20 year period.Each chapter stands independently of the others,and reflects the then-current situation of the Jews living in rural Tsarist Russia.We see the breakdown of a patriarchal mode of life,changing in response to the demands of an evolving society which is emerging from feudalism,having effects on all social strata.

"Fiddler on the Roof",one of the American musical theater's most enduring masterpieces,is based on 4 chapters of the original novel.In addition,it has been somewhat homogenized for popular consumption for the local public."Tevye",on the other hand,is based on roughly 2.5 chapters,which are found later in the saga.In addition,some of the personal degradation and humiliation Tevye encounters in the source,are seen in this version.

Maurice Schwartz is the star of the film.(It also helps,I guess,when he directed it as well.Able to give himself the best role.)His portrayal is NOT the gruff,jovial peasant seen in the musical.His rendition of the title part is much more cerebral,chipper,and acerbic than we might expect from this character.Nonetheless,it is entirely valid in its way.Enjoy this picture as an alternative interpretation.

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.

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.