Fiddler on the Roof is one of the most brilliant musical ever. Another more serious part of the show is when his children keep going against his will, and he softens and forgives each. But finally, when one daughter challenges his religion and faith, then he sets her straight. Marvelous. And "Do you love me" by his wife of many years.
I saw this live with Topal in the mid eighties, it is something I will never forget. I was also in my high school production of Fiddler. It's a great movie if you ever get a chance to see it, I think you would really enjoy it!
I love this. This is actor Zero Mostel who won the Tony Awards in 1965 as the actor in a musical for his role as Tevye in this show. However this performance is from the 1971 Tony Awards. That year the were celebrating 25 years of the awards. Prior to 1967 the awards only had a sit down dinner. So the people in the shows that won never got a chance to be seen on television.
I am jewish and have seen fiddler on the roof many times. but what you need to understand is this play doesn't take place in 1965, and not in America. actually, they all live in a small town of Anatevka, a very poor jewish town somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Russia back around just before world war 2 and they had tzars in Russia.so him wanting chickens and staircases and all that jazz, is from the perspective of opressed poor people under WW2 or there abouts communism.also, tevye, did explain what was important to him, being learned was by far the most important as it seems to be very important in jewish tradition. and the town hadn't changed in hundreds of years , everything was all tradition and a copule of his kids met some people who left town to a university and came back to challenge traditions vs. growing.
This play is special to me as well. My Great-great Grandfather was one of the people to emigrate from Russia at the time represented here. What is super special is I have his bible with all his little scribbled side notes to scripture.
ally , that is amazing. as for me, my mother and father were both born in Poland, as were all four grandparents. but my mothers' mother was 19 in 1938 and a polish jew who happened ot have blue eyes and was pretty, german soldiers, due to this fact warned her what was about to take place, she believed them, ran from the family, escaped to Russia, was arrested and put into labor camps north of Siberia, eventually got back to Poland, and my parents and grandparents all immigrated here. dad's family in early 50s, moms's family in early 60s
If you ever watch the movie, watch Topol's expression when he mentions studying the Scripture and how that would be the sweetest thing of all. It shows what he really treasured in life and that it wasn't anything material. That is the point that always strikes me the most in the movie. Here is a man who values his relationship with God more than anything and all money means is the time and opportunity to study God's word and grow closer to him.
This was the 1904 or so persecuted Russian Jew rich. It wasn't about having sparkly crap, it was about having enough to eat, to have a home well enough built you didn't freeze in winter, to not all have to sleep with the livestock, for your wife and daughters to have more than one dress each. To get a little respect in your community. This was still pie in the sky alas, but it wasn't ridiculous, it was survival in a terribly difficult world. Please see the movie! It is beyond worth it.
I remember watching the movie “Fiddler on the roof” with my mum and this song was my favourite. When I was younger I was into the brandnames, I had expensive bags, shoes by Gucci etc. I have come to realise that they mean nothing at all. What I value now is a home, roof over my head, a warm place to sleep and food to eat. The simple things gives my life meaning, like my family, friends and a relationship with God. I totally agree with you Ty. Blessings💕
Zero Mostel was a compelling and consummate performer. Tevye was a religious man and that peculiar dance he did was a passionate and prayerful expression. Mostel was blacklisted in the 50’s McCarthy Era. He is most famous as Tevye on Broadway and as Max Bialystock in the original and hilarious 60’s film “The Producers”, also in the movie depicting blacklisted Hollywood writers in “The Front”.
Haven't heard this in years. Been a Zero Mostel for a long time My Dad was a big fan of the old school musicals. This one, The King and I, South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, etc. He taught me to appreciate them. Like today's music-today's musicals don't seem the same
This isn't about stuff. Right before this his only horse breaks down, he is limping from having to pull his dairy wagon, and in prayer he bemoans his poverty and states humorously that with the help of the divine he is starving. This isn't about possessions. This is about being able to know where the next meal is coming from, to know that the czarist forces won't come into to town and either expel or kill you, and to be able to practice your faith and viewpoint undisturbed by poverty and oppression. This is not about materialism. This is about the desire that all oppressed have- for stability, peace, safety and knowing there is a next meal.
My family came from these roots, though they were more town that rural. Zero Mostel is amazing. His facial expressions are a national treasure! They did make a movie of this but with Topol as Tevye. He isn't quite as good but is still fine. For more Zero Mostel watch the original The Producers.
1965 was the year of this performance. He's playing a character from the play/ and later- movie, which takes place in Russia around 1905 in a small, poor town.
An all time great musical, great soundtrack great parts for the cast..Ty for reacting to it..a nice change to hear a song from a musical..Keep Safe Keep Strong My Dear Friend
When my husband and I started dating, i told him ' please dont buy me expensive jewerly, etc'. The girl he dated before me expected it. I told him ' i got you, thats all i want'. Im still like that. Of course i got my wedding ring set, and my hubby had a Mothers ring made for me, with our boys birthstone. Thats it. He knows i love him, for him. Not his money. Ppl be alot more happier if they didnt try keep up with the Jones. Family is my most prized possession.
Well I understand what you're saying, but loving your family and having luxuries are not mutually exclusive. It isn't one or the other. You can love your husband just as much if you also happen to be wearing beautiful jewelry.
My grandmother came to New York from Poland not so long after this play takes place. She met and married my grandfather, who was from Austra-Hungary. She loved this show. Every time we had a family get together this album was played. Her favorite song was Sunrise, Sunset, about family and how quickly children grow and time passes. It always brought tears to her eyes. Now it's bringing a tear to mine.
I remember when I was in 6th grade back in the early 80's. It may have been 1980. My teacher had the record album (sound track). She would play it near every day for us when it was "quiet study time." She was trying to bring some cultural diversity for us. She did it through music.
I love that play ! From the age 5 - 15 I lived at a summer house by the ocean with my family and the actors from the local small town barn playhouse stayed in a camp right next to us and they gave us free tickets for all the shows and I can always remember Fiddler On The Roof being one of my favorite plays every summer ✌😎 BTW Zero Mostel : Reminds me if my uncle Jack 😅😄😃😂😁
The theme of the movie/ musical is thus "Without religion, faith, our lives would be as shaky as a Fiddler on the Roof." He was a very poor milk man with a crippled cow and five daughters, no sons. He wanted things for his family, but most of all, he wanted to study the Holy Word. This, along with Jesus Christ Superstar, was a staple for me growing up.
The story takes place in Russia early 1900s before the revolution that replaced the Czar with Communism. As a dirt poor peasant having enough to eat and some livestock made you "rich". P.S. as for the theory that money can't but happiness... I willing to test it. Please send copious amounts of cash.... I will supply the address.
I place most value in my family and friends. My family always say that if we ever get a lot of money we would use a lot of the money on helping others like the homeless and different hospitals and organizations that help others. My husband was helped by the Shriners when he was stricken by polio as a chid. I was placed in a childrens home when i was in first grade. We know that there are people and groups that do good things for others.
Talking about jewelry; during the Great Depression my mother, who was a young woman, had no food to eat for 3 days. She had a 3/4 carat diamond ring and a watch with chip diamonds around the face. She couldn't pawn both of them for enough money to send a telegram to her dad in California to ask for money for food. After that she had no regard for jewelry. Like she said, they are only valuable if you can get someone to buy them. The rest of the story, she started walking from Little Rock to LA. She was terrified and when a car would come along she would hide in the bushes. Someone saw her, took her back to Little Rock, fed her and gave her enough money for a telegram. I am a survivor, so far, of metastatic Breast Cancer. My family and friends including the furry ones are what are important to me. A roof over my head and food is a plus.
I've only seen the movie and I loved it!!! It's a must watch!!! I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed day my friend and please stay safe!!! 🙂🙂 🐧🐧
Matchmaker Matchmaker....sigh, the song that needs to be heard and Sunrise Sunset, that also became a huge wedding song after the movie was released. I still love musicals, the soundtracks were always played in our home growing up and when there was a little extra we’d get to see whatever was in town or when they came to the screen: storytelling and music, you can’t go wrong.
You have to watch the play, you cannot understand this song out of that context. My favorite exchange in this play is this: Young revolutionary: "Money is the root of all evil!" Tevye: May God SMITE me with it, and may I never recover!
I understand where the host is coming from, about placing value. But Lord have mercy. This was not about 1965. It was about being a poor peasant in Czarist Russia and part of an oppressed minority to boot. Another of the songs refers to the wife and her husband "starving" together as part of their 25 years of marriage. So this is not about living in the lap of luxury. It's a man dreaming of having a decent home and enough to eat for his family. In my tradition, we revere (not worship) Saint Francis of Assisi because he chose to live a poor and simple life. Chose being the operative word. And he didn't have a wife and children to provide for.
I place value in my family, what remains. I lost my father in 2006 due to heart complications. I wish I could have time with him. Not as a sick man, but healthy. I miss watching boxing with him. I miss talking about computers. I miss HIM. Until March 2020, I visited my mother almost every week. I look forward to the county getting control over what's going on so I can start visiting again. She's in her 70s. She's not getting younger. I don't know how long I'll have her. I want time with her.
Within six months of their wedding, my father's ring slipped off at a reception in Mom's sister's yard. No one ever could find that ring and he never replaced it. As far as I know, he also never strayed, young and handsome and faithful. When Mom smashed her hand in the garage door accidentally, they had to cut her rings from her fingers (wedding and engagement), she has them put away in her jewelry box with her mother's ring and some of her mother's and grandmother's jewelry. I don't recall them wearing jewelry while I grew up. Mom said her favorite stone was green jade, so I made her a dream catcher-esque object with jade and lace. No jade necklace, but a dream catcher. Just as pretty but less chance of being damaged.
The actor named Topol, who played Tevye in the film, is less over the top than Zero Mostel. The first musical number is called Tradition. Everybody knows their role in society and doesn’t question it. Tevye the milkman and his wife are startled to find that life is changing. The younger generation has modern ideas. Their daughters, for example, want to choose their husbands themselves and marry for love. The moving story is coupled with excellent music. The song Sunrise, Sunset was popular for Jewish weddings.
I must say you are such a intelligent man!!!! Can I vote for you in the next primary? I saw Zero Mostel on Broadway doing Fiddler on the Roof, you disected it brilliantly!!!! This is one of my favorite songs and I loved watching you watching the video!!!! Your wife is very lucky to have a man with such Nobel views of the world. In one video I have become a huge fan of your work!!!!!!!!! Please keep going I'll be watching!!!!!! Tony
In 1970 MAD Magazine published a spoof of "Fiddler on the Roof," set in the then-current times, and renamed "Antenna on the Roof." The characters were the two-or-three-generations descendants of Tevye and the gang, and had become wealthy, crassly materialistic buffoons. It was - and still is - a very savage satire of the post-war American Dream, with a not-so-subtle subtext of "if our poor, immigrant ancestors could see us now."
The context of the song, from Fiddler On The Roof is that it was set in Imperial Russia in 1905, so recording in 1965 wasn't intended to show aspirations to wealth for 1965.
Modern Renaissance Man yesssssss for sure I agree ! I was thinking I would give it to peoples that’s needs it the most cause if I past that money isn’t coming with me ... I understand very much what you’re saying ouffff being French hard for me to explain 😂 ❤️
I love the film version. The character was played in the film by another actor, Topol, who also did a wonderful job and has played the character on stage for many years. Also, within the Russian Jewish setting described by others, the story plays out that, one by one, his daughters defy tradition in their choice of husbands, in a culture where the marriages were arranged. The father is forced to repeatedly face the choice of tradition and his strong faith vs. the changing times and his love for his children.
Reb Tevya was a poor, Jewish milkman -- a peasant-- in about 1905 Russia. He wanted a flock of geese, a bigger house, a better life for his wife, and above all, enough free time to study God's Word. Thus, he was asking God, "Couldn't you have made me just a little bit rich? What would it have hurt?" MRM: Ty, you really need to watch the movie "Fiddler on the Roof" for this to make much sense. It's one of my 5 all-time favorite movies, ever! The actor Topol plays this roll, and does a much better performance of this song. : )
Seeing a Broadway Show is still on my Bucket List. I live in Western New York. So close, but yet so far. I should have gone when I was younger. Now the price of travel & the cost of tickets are crazy. I'd rather spoil my grandchildren. My value is my family.
You should watch the Fiddler on the Roof movie. Entertaining, sure, but it is a study of humanity more than a fun musical. You will be enriched by watching it.
I don't know what you thought of what he said was the sweetest gift of all. In traditional Judaism, being a full time religious scholar is considered a very prestigious role -- even today!
I was born in 1965! But the story takes place in a Russian village Anatevka during the programs when the Tzar was driving the Jews out of Russia!! The show ends when the family and the rest of the Jews in the village walking away for the last time !
Why watch this version when the Topol version is available? I have seen both the movie, and the Topol Fiddler On The Roof stage version. Topol brings this song to life like no other. Geese etc were definitely not considered a mark of wealth in 1965. In 1965 it was a Rolls Royce, Tiffany’s jewellery, a mansion in Beverley Hills or Malibu, in fact it was very little different to now. Fidler On The Roof was about the Russian Pogroms of the early 20th century. Even then geese were not a mark of wealth. It is the irony of the character that he was so poor and ignorant that the extent of his imagination was that geese would be his idea of wealth. There were other characters in the story with greater worldliness, but their dreams were political in nature. There was also the local military forces who enforced the injustices of the wealthy and powerful, but we only see the agents of wealth, the wealthy remain a distant and unreachable malevolence in a shadowy background. Here is Topol singing the song. Such an incredible performer, and yes, Topol can do a similar performance on the stage. If anything when live it is even more electrifying: ruclips.net/video/RBHZFYpQ6nc/видео.html
The play takes place around 1905, so he would be wealthy if he could have chickens, etc. It would mean they'd have enough to eat. It's too bad you watched this version, it doesn't really make sense to see him in modern clothes alone on a stage. I saw the movie years ago, with Topol playing the part, and that scene makes a lot more sense in the correct setting, where they struggle with poverty every day, and he dreams of having enough. It's very touching, as he's talking to God - If I were a rich man - what would be so terrible?
Diamonds are intrinsically worthless. The Debeers company started pushing their value in the early 20th century with probly the best advertising campaign ever after they gained a monopoly of all the world's diamond mines. Which was easy since everyone thought they were worthless. It's crazy.
What's funny about this song and your comment regarding people and what they'd do with money is that the singer is essentially doing the equivalent of spending his money on looking wealthy rather than spending it on good things. Thats the funny thing about the thing. he asks God why he couldn't be rich, sings all the wasteful ways he'd spend his money and God be like "yeah, that's why."
Live theatre type doesn't do justice to the movie version. topal was the actor I think was the movie version it wasn't set in 1965. It was 19th century early 20th pre world wars
Firstly.... Zero Mostel, 3 time Tony winner, was one of a kind ... his "Tevye" can't be compared to other interpretations because of the uniqueness of his talent and a formidable stage presence .... he uses every fiber of his body .... his talent as a comic as an actor was larger than the role itself ... so Topol was fine in the movie .... I saw Bernardi on BWay ... he was ok ... kinda walked through the role in my opinion; dare I say boring compared to Mostel .... Bernardi was not one tenth of Mostel in your video. Now, #2 ... you wonder why he's asking ... If I were rich ..... I'd have chickens and ducks and geese and not a Lamborghini perhaps .... Tevye is not a 1964/65 character... the time is early 20th century ... Russia... Jews were little more than peasants ... poor / poverty-stricken ... the richest guy was the kosher butcher Lazar Wolf; and he "had a bad week" ... so Tevye wanted food to feed his family ... basics of life ... necessities of life ... a better house... but the most important thing... time to spend in the synagogue praying to G_d .... not being Jewish, I can't elaborate. And thirdly.... what I'd want .... a little peace in the world would be a great start don't you think? .... and an end to diseases like Altzheimers/ dementia, cancer, ALS ... an end to the hunger and suffering of the truly poor .... that's a good start. Take care .... KPL
anyway, to answer your question about what is important to me. if I had abundance of money where I didn't even have to think about it. well a new one came up. I would certainly spend money to find a cure for covid.now to my own personal things.what is important would be to be able to have the time and money to do things for people, for orinizaions and people I care about. I would like to go see my family and friends all over the united states and all over the world any time and visit for as long as they would want to spend time without worrying about getting back home to work.I would take tons of volleyball practice and lessons as I love playing volleyball, an to better myself, same goes for playing music. maybe learn things there is some others but that is a start. plus I would like to visit the world and experience all the peoples and cultures and lands and everything I can.
Fiddler on the Roof is one of the most brilliant musical ever. Another more serious part of the show is when his children keep going against his will, and he softens and forgives each. But finally, when one daughter challenges his religion and faith, then he sets her straight. Marvelous. And "Do you love me" by his wife of many years.
He doesn't set her straight, he rejects her.That is not a positive thing.
I'm a fan of the Topal version. Love this musical.
You beat me to it. I have the movie soundtrack on CD.
Yes Topal is the version I favor, his voice is golden, I wish he had been referred to react to Topal's performance.
I saw this live with Topal in the mid eighties, it is something I will never forget. I was also in my high school production of Fiddler. It's a great movie if you ever get a chance to see it, I think you would really enjoy it!
This version kinda makes me sad.....i love Topal
The one and only Tevye
I love this. This is actor Zero Mostel who won the Tony Awards in 1965 as the actor in a musical for his role as Tevye in this show. However this performance is from the 1971 Tony Awards. That year the were celebrating 25 years of the awards. Prior to 1967 the awards only had a sit down dinner. So the people in the shows that won never got a chance to be seen on television.
Debra Battle They deserved all the accolades.
I am jewish and have seen fiddler on the roof many times. but what you need to understand is this play doesn't take place in 1965, and not in America. actually, they all live in a small town of Anatevka, a very poor jewish town somewhere in the middle of nowhere in Russia back around just before world war 2 and they had tzars in Russia.so him wanting chickens and staircases and all that jazz, is from the perspective of opressed poor people under WW2 or there abouts communism.also, tevye, did explain what was important to him, being learned was by far the most important as it seems to be very important in jewish tradition. and the town hadn't changed in hundreds of years , everything was all tradition and a copule of his kids met some people who left town to a university and came back to challenge traditions vs. growing.
Actually, just before World War I. This was set sometime between 1900 and 1914.
The movie really moves me, every time I watch it.
This play is special to me as well. My Great-great Grandfather was one of the people to emigrate from Russia at the time represented here. What is super special is I have his bible with all his little scribbled side notes to scripture.
bruce, thank you, I knew it was one of the world wars. I just couldn't remember which one
ally , that is amazing. as for me, my mother and father were both born in Poland, as were all four grandparents. but my mothers' mother was 19 in 1938 and a polish jew who happened ot have blue eyes and was pretty, german soldiers, due to this fact warned her what was about to take place, she believed them, ran from the family, escaped to Russia, was arrested and put into labor camps north of Siberia, eventually got back to Poland, and my parents and grandparents all immigrated here. dad's family in early 50s, moms's family in early 60s
This version is good, but I really love Topal's version in the movie.
Zero Mostel was one of the greatest Comic actors . His role in the first "The Producer's" production with Gene Wilder was hilarious.
Yes…he was brilliant!
If you ever watch the movie, watch Topol's expression when he mentions studying the Scripture and how that would be the sweetest thing of all. It shows what he really treasured in life and that it wasn't anything material. That is the point that always strikes me the most in the movie. Here is a man who values his relationship with God more than anything and all money means is the time and opportunity to study God's word and grow closer to him.
Amen
Watch the movie. It will help to see the way of life was like then.
My friends thought I was crazy when we first heard Gwen Stefani's 'Rich Girl" and I yelled out "That's Fiddler on the Roof!'
This was the 1904 or so persecuted Russian Jew rich. It wasn't about having sparkly crap, it was about having enough to eat, to have a home well enough built you didn't freeze in winter, to not all have to sleep with the livestock, for your wife and daughters to have more than one dress each. To get a little respect in your community. This was still pie in the sky alas, but it wasn't ridiculous, it was survival in a terribly difficult world. Please see the movie! It is beyond worth it.
I remember watching the movie “Fiddler on the roof” with my mum and this song was my favourite. When I was younger I was into the brandnames, I had expensive bags, shoes by Gucci etc. I have come to realise that they mean nothing at all. What I value now is a home, roof over my head, a warm place to sleep and food to eat. The simple things gives my life meaning, like my family, friends and a relationship with God. I totally agree with you Ty. Blessings💕
Zero Mostel was a compelling and consummate performer. Tevye was a religious man and that peculiar dance he did was a passionate and prayerful expression. Mostel was blacklisted in the 50’s McCarthy Era. He is most famous as Tevye on Broadway and as Max Bialystock in the original and hilarious 60’s film “The Producers”, also in the movie depicting blacklisted Hollywood writers in “The Front”.
Yes, Gwen Stefani used this in “Rich Girl.”
This musical is brilliant “Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match..”
"Find me a find, catch me a catch"..
"He's handsome. He's stron- Alright he's 62." 🤣
Haven't heard this in years. Been a Zero Mostel for a long time My Dad was a big fan of the old school musicals. This one, The King and I, South Pacific, Singing in the Rain, etc. He taught me to appreciate them. Like today's music-today's musicals don't seem the same
This isn't about stuff. Right before this his only horse breaks down, he is limping from having to pull his dairy wagon, and in prayer he bemoans his poverty and states humorously that with the help of the divine he is starving. This isn't about possessions. This is about being able to know where the next meal is coming from, to know that the czarist forces won't come into to town and either expel or kill you, and to be able to practice your faith and viewpoint undisturbed by poverty and oppression.
This is not about materialism.
This is about the desire that all oppressed have- for stability, peace, safety and knowing there is a next meal.
My family came from these roots, though they were more town that rural.
Zero Mostel is amazing. His facial expressions are a national treasure! They did make a movie of this but with Topol as Tevye. He isn't quite as good but is still fine. For more Zero Mostel watch the original The Producers.
You need to watch the movie to really understand! LOL!
1965 was the year of this performance. He's playing a character from the play/ and later- movie, which takes place in Russia around 1905 in a small, poor town.
An all time great musical, great soundtrack great parts for the cast..Ty for reacting to it..a nice change to hear a song from a musical..Keep Safe Keep Strong My Dear Friend
A classic performance from a very good actor. Ty, the action is set in 1904 Russia,the performance was from 1965.
When my husband and I started dating, i told him ' please dont buy me expensive jewerly, etc'. The girl he dated before me expected it. I told him ' i got you, thats all i want'. Im still like that. Of course i got my wedding ring set, and my hubby had a Mothers ring made for me, with our boys birthstone. Thats it. He knows i love him, for him. Not his money. Ppl be alot more happier if they didnt try keep up with the Jones. Family is my most prized possession.
Well I understand what you're saying, but loving your family and having luxuries are not mutually exclusive. It isn't one or the other. You can love your husband just as much if you also happen to be wearing beautiful jewelry.
Zero mostel was a interesting character. A British subject he spent WW2 in the "special " operations of the British army.
Bloody HERO!, inglorious?.
My grandmother came to New York from Poland not so long after this play takes place. She met and married my grandfather, who was from Austra-Hungary. She loved this show. Every time we had a family get together this album was played. Her favorite song was Sunrise, Sunset, about family and how quickly children grow and time passes. It always brought tears to her eyes. Now it's bringing a tear to mine.
Fiddler on the Roof is set in 1905, so the idea of what equals wealth is relative to Russian Jews at that time.
I loved this musical as a kid.
😊
I remember when I was in 6th grade back in the early 80's. It may have been 1980. My teacher had the record album (sound track). She would play it near every day for us when it was "quiet study time."
She was trying to bring some cultural diversity for us. She did it through music.
Watched this musical many years ago. Loved it and many friends had the sound track on 8 track tapes. The song made more sense in the movie.
I love that play ! From the age 5 - 15 I lived at a summer house by the ocean with my family and the actors from the local small town barn playhouse stayed in a camp right next to us and they gave us free tickets for all the shows and I can always remember Fiddler On The Roof being one of my favorite plays every summer ✌😎
BTW Zero Mostel : Reminds me if my uncle Jack 😅😄😃😂😁
The theme of the movie/ musical is thus "Without religion, faith, our lives would be as shaky as a Fiddler on the Roof." He was a very poor milk man with a crippled cow and five daughters, no sons. He wanted things for his family, but most of all, he wanted to study the Holy Word. This, along with Jesus Christ Superstar, was a staple for me growing up.
Can't beat topols version
The story takes place in Russia early 1900s before the revolution that replaced the Czar with Communism. As a dirt poor peasant having enough to eat and some livestock made you "rich".
P.S. as for the theory that money can't but happiness... I willing to test it. Please send copious amounts of cash.... I will supply the address.
I place value in "things" that are priceless; the grace and blessings God has bestowed upon me and those I love.
I place most value in my family and friends. My family always say that if we ever get a lot of money we would use a lot of the money on helping others like the homeless and different hospitals and organizations that help others. My husband was helped by the Shriners when he was stricken by polio as a chid. I was placed in a childrens home when i was in first grade. We know that there are people and groups that do good things for others.
Thx for sharing this.
Talking about jewelry; during the Great Depression my mother, who was a young woman, had no food to eat for 3 days. She had a 3/4 carat diamond ring and a watch with chip diamonds around the face. She couldn't pawn both of them for enough money to send a telegram to her dad in California to ask for money for food. After that she had no regard for jewelry. Like she said, they are only valuable if you can get someone to buy them. The rest of the story, she started walking from Little Rock to LA. She was terrified and when a car would come along she would hide in the bushes. Someone saw her, took her back to Little Rock, fed her and gave her enough money for a telegram.
I am a survivor, so far, of metastatic Breast Cancer. My family and friends including the furry ones are what are important to me. A roof over my head and food is a plus.
Wow! Thx for sharing that.
I've only seen the movie and I loved it!!! It's a must watch!!! I hope that you have a wonderful and blessed day my friend and please stay safe!!! 🙂🙂 🐧🐧
Matchmaker Matchmaker....sigh, the song that needs to be heard and Sunrise Sunset, that also became a huge wedding song after the movie was released. I still love musicals, the soundtracks were always played in our home growing up and when there was a little extra we’d get to see whatever was in town or when they came to the screen: storytelling and music, you can’t go wrong.
I appreciate your message my sentiments exactly
You have to watch the play, you cannot understand this song out of that context. My favorite exchange in this play is this:
Young revolutionary: "Money is the root of all evil!"
Tevye: May God SMITE me with it, and may I never recover!
I understand where the host is coming from, about placing value. But Lord have mercy. This was not about 1965. It was about being a poor peasant in Czarist Russia and part of an oppressed minority to boot. Another of the songs refers to the wife and her husband "starving" together as part of their 25 years of marriage. So this is not about living in the lap of luxury. It's a man dreaming of having a decent home and enough to eat for his family. In my tradition, we revere (not worship) Saint Francis of Assisi because he chose to live a poor and simple life. Chose being the operative word. And he didn't have a wife and children to provide for.
I place value in my family, what remains. I lost my father in 2006 due to heart complications. I wish I could have time with him. Not as a sick man, but healthy. I miss watching boxing with him. I miss talking about computers. I miss HIM. Until March 2020, I visited my mother almost every week. I look forward to the county getting control over what's going on so I can start visiting again. She's in her 70s. She's not getting younger. I don't know how long I'll have her. I want time with her.
Within six months of their wedding, my father's ring slipped off at a reception in Mom's sister's yard. No one ever could find that ring and he never replaced it. As far as I know, he also never strayed, young and handsome and faithful. When Mom smashed her hand in the garage door accidentally, they had to cut her rings from her fingers (wedding and engagement), she has them put away in her jewelry box with her mother's ring and some of her mother's and grandmother's jewelry. I don't recall them wearing jewelry while I grew up. Mom said her favorite stone was green jade, so I made her a dream catcher-esque object with jade and lace. No jade necklace, but a dream catcher. Just as pretty but less chance of being damaged.
The actor named Topol, who played Tevye in the film, is less over the top than Zero Mostel. The first musical number is called Tradition. Everybody knows their role in society and doesn’t question it. Tevye the milkman and his wife are startled to find that life is changing. The younger generation has modern ideas. Their daughters, for example, want to choose their husbands themselves and marry for love. The moving story is coupled with excellent music. The song Sunrise, Sunset was popular for Jewish weddings.
I must say you are such a intelligent man!!!!
Can I vote for you in the next primary?
I saw Zero Mostel on Broadway doing Fiddler on the Roof, you disected it brilliantly!!!! This is one of my favorite songs and I loved watching you watching the video!!!! Your wife is very lucky to have a man with such Nobel views of the world.
In one video I have become a huge fan of your work!!!!!!!!! Please keep going I'll be watching!!!!!! Tony
In 1970 MAD Magazine published a spoof of "Fiddler on the Roof," set in the then-current times, and renamed "Antenna on the Roof." The characters were the two-or-three-generations descendants of Tevye and the gang, and had become wealthy, crassly materialistic buffoons. It was - and still is - a very savage satire of the post-war American Dream, with a not-so-subtle subtext of "if our poor, immigrant ancestors could see us now."
The context of the song, from Fiddler On The Roof is that it was set in Imperial Russia in 1905, so recording in 1965 wasn't intended to show aspirations to wealth for 1965.
Goood morning Ty ! WoW hard question ! Since I was never rich 😀 fancy stuff never did it for me .... honestly I be lost ❤️
Food,shelter, clothing,and health is what makes you rich
Modern Renaissance Man yesssssss for sure I agree ! I was thinking I would give it to peoples that’s needs it the most cause if I past that money isn’t coming with me ... I understand very much what you’re saying ouffff being French hard for me to explain 😂 ❤️
It's the eternal theme:
Mo' money
Mo' problems.
Gwen Stefani . He placed value on learning and knowing God through study of the Torah, which he called the sweetest thing.
First time I heard this was on TV watching fiddler on the roof with Topol. Watch the movie so you can see the song in context.
things are worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for it but the value is assigned and determined by the buyer
I love the film version. The character was played in the film by another actor, Topol, who also did a wonderful job and has played the character on stage for many years. Also, within the Russian Jewish setting described by others, the story plays out that, one by one, his daughters defy tradition in their choice of husbands, in a culture where the marriages were arranged. The father is forced to repeatedly face the choice of tradition and his strong faith vs. the changing times and his love for his children.
It's a CLASSIC!.
Rich Girl, by Gwen Stefani, is a take off of the Fiddler on the Roof song.
Reb Tevya was a poor, Jewish milkman -- a peasant-- in about 1905 Russia. He wanted a flock of geese, a bigger house, a better life for his wife, and above all, enough free time to study God's Word. Thus, he was asking God, "Couldn't you have made me just a little bit rich? What would it have hurt?" MRM: Ty, you really need to watch the movie "Fiddler on the Roof" for this to make much sense. It's one of my 5 all-time favorite movies, ever! The actor Topol plays this roll, and does a much better performance of this song. : )
Now why did Camp Granda pop into my head watching this?
Seeing a Broadway Show is still on my Bucket List. I live in Western New York. So close, but yet so far. I should have gone when I was younger. Now the price of travel & the cost of tickets are crazy. I'd rather spoil my grandchildren. My value is my family.
Another great movie
Great, great movie.
This is hilarious.
You should watch the Fiddler on the Roof movie.
Entertaining, sure, but it is a study of humanity more than a fun musical.
You will be enriched by watching it.
Tenth Commandment … God knew our fallen hearts. Nice reaction.
I don't know what you thought of what he said was the sweetest gift of all. In traditional Judaism, being a full time religious scholar is considered a very prestigious role -- even today!
Yes, believe it or not Gwen must agree. In "Rich Girl" with Eve she does say it shouldn't matter. Their video puts the sexy in pirate.
I was born in 1965! But the story takes place in a Russian village Anatevka during the programs when the Tzar was driving the Jews out of Russia!! The show ends when the family and the rest of the Jews in the village walking away for the last time !
Why watch this version when the Topol version is available? I have seen both the movie, and the Topol Fiddler On The Roof stage version. Topol brings this song to life like no other.
Geese etc were definitely not considered a mark of wealth in 1965. In 1965 it was a Rolls Royce, Tiffany’s jewellery, a mansion in Beverley Hills or Malibu, in fact it was very little different to now. Fidler On The Roof was about the Russian Pogroms of the early 20th century. Even then geese were not a mark of wealth. It is the irony of the character that he was so poor and ignorant that the extent of his imagination was that geese would be his idea of wealth. There were other characters in the story with greater worldliness, but their dreams were political in nature. There was also the local military forces who enforced the injustices of the wealthy and powerful, but we only see the agents of wealth, the wealthy remain a distant and unreachable malevolence in a shadowy background.
Here is Topol singing the song. Such an incredible performer, and yes, Topol can do a similar performance on the stage. If anything when live it is even more electrifying: ruclips.net/video/RBHZFYpQ6nc/видео.html
Yes, Gwen Stefanie and Eve used this song
Watch the movie Fiddler on the roof.Then you will have a better understanding of the song.
You really need to react to Topels version of this - or the movie or whatever :D
The play takes place around 1905, so he would be wealthy if he could have chickens, etc. It would mean they'd have enough to eat. It's too bad you watched this version, it doesn't really make sense to see him in modern clothes alone on a stage. I saw the movie years ago, with Topol playing the part, and that scene makes a lot more sense in the correct setting, where they struggle with poverty every day, and he dreams of having enough. It's very touching, as he's talking to God - If I were a rich man - what would be so terrible?
love family and health
Look up Marty Robins ( the Masters Call )
Diamonds are intrinsically worthless. The Debeers company started pushing their value in the early 20th century with probly the best advertising campaign ever after they gained a monopoly of all the world's diamond mines. Which was easy since everyone thought they were worthless. It's crazy.
DragonSneeze remember, diamonds are a girls best friend also pushed this as well
What's funny about this song and your comment regarding people and what they'd do with money is that the singer is essentially doing the equivalent of spending his money on looking wealthy rather than spending it on good things.
Thats the funny thing about the thing. he asks God why he couldn't be rich, sings all the wasteful ways he'd spend his money and God be like "yeah, that's why."
The song was set just before the Russian revolution in Siberia
All I can say is, watch the movie. 🙂
Fiddler on the Roof is one of the best movies ever made, Topol did a better job the Zero Mostel
Parts of the song remind me of Ron Moody as Fagan in Oliver many,many,many years ago. Yes I am ancient. 🙄
Praise Jahova,JahRastifari!,when you find,X RAY SPEX?.big love,peace out.
To bad you couldn't get the clip from the movie,I think that is a much better version of this tune.
i did that song great reation
It depends on your culture and country think of the far East or parts of Africa or Eastern Europe.
Fiddler up a ruuf, I don't think Fred Sanford(.) would like it.
Live theatre type doesn't do justice to the movie version. topal was the actor I think was the movie version it wasn't set in 1965. It was 19th century early 20th pre world wars
Firstly.... Zero Mostel, 3 time Tony winner, was one of a kind ... his "Tevye" can't be compared to other interpretations because of the uniqueness of his talent and a formidable stage presence .... he uses every fiber of his body .... his talent as a comic as an actor was larger than the role itself ...
so Topol was fine in the movie .... I saw Bernardi on BWay ... he was ok ... kinda walked through the role in my opinion; dare I say boring compared to Mostel .... Bernardi was not one tenth of Mostel in your video.
Now, #2 ... you wonder why he's asking ... If I were rich ..... I'd have chickens and ducks and geese and not a Lamborghini perhaps .... Tevye is not a 1964/65 character... the time is early 20th century ... Russia... Jews were little more than peasants ... poor / poverty-stricken ... the richest guy was the kosher butcher Lazar Wolf; and he "had a bad week" ... so Tevye wanted food to feed his family ... basics of life ... necessities of life ... a better house... but the most important thing... time to spend in the synagogue praying to G_d .... not being Jewish, I can't elaborate.
And thirdly.... what I'd want .... a little peace in the world would be a great start don't you think? .... and an end to diseases like Altzheimers/ dementia, cancer, ALS ... an end to the hunger and suffering of the truly poor .... that's a good start.
Take care ....
KPL
Topol in the Norman Jewishness movie was much better,sounded much more Yiddish than Zero
Ashamed to make comedic value out of a classic
:D Aren't you cute. You get the same look on YOUR face that my husband does when the musical breaks out in song......
"The best things in life aren't things.
anyway, to answer your question about what is important to me. if I had abundance of money where I didn't even have to think about it. well a new one came up. I would certainly spend money to find a cure for covid.now to my own personal things.what is important would be to be able to have the time and money to do things for people, for orinizaions and people I care about. I would like to go see my family and friends all over the united states and all over the world any time and visit for as long as they would want to spend time without worrying about getting back home to work.I would take tons of volleyball practice and lessons as I love playing volleyball, an to better myself, same goes for playing music. maybe learn things there is some others but that is a start. plus I would like to visit the world and experience all the peoples and cultures and lands and everything I can.
I'm too tired to explain, but the nonsense sounds are sort of like a European Jewish version of scatting.
Topal does it better
This is just nice, I love Broadway so It’s always a pleasure to hear & see some! 🖤