Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

Fiddler on the Roof (1971), directed by Norman Jewison, is a beloved film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical by Jerry Bock (music), Sheldon Harnick (lyrics), and Joseph Stein (book). Set in the early 20th century in the fictional Jewish village of Anatevka in Tsarist Russia, the story follows Tevye (played by Topol in an Oscar-nominated role), a poor milkman struggling to balance tradition, faith, and the winds of social change as his daughters choose love over arranged marriage.

Among the film’s most iconic and endearing moments is Tevye’s solo number, “If I Were a Rich Man.” Sung in the barn as he tends to his cow, the song blends humor, melancholy, and philosophical yearning. With its playful rhythm, rising scale, and almost cantorial vocal delivery, the number showcases Tevye’s dreams of wealth—not just for luxury, but for respect, peace of mind, and the time to pray and study.
Topol’s spirited performance, full of physical comedy and heartfelt pauses, turns the song into a defining character moment—revealing both Tevye’s deep humanity and the universal longing for a better life. The number became an instant classic and is now one of the most widely recognized songs in musical theatre history.
The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Music, Scoring Adaptation and Original Song Score by John Williams, whose orchestration brought new depth and richness to the stage material.