A fiddler on the roof...
Sounds crazy, no?
But here, in our little village of Anatevka,
you might say
every one of us is a fiddler on the roof.
Trying to scratch out a pleasant, simple tune
without breaking his neck.
It isn't easy.
You may ask,
why do we stay up there
if it's so dangerous?
Well, we stay because
Anatevka is our home.
And how do we keep our balance?
That I can tell you in one word!
Tradition!
Tradition
Because of our traditions,
we've kept our balance for many, many years.
Here in Anatevka,
we have traditions for everything.
How to sleep.
How to eat.
How to work.
How to wear clothes.
For instance,
we always keep our heads covered,
and always wear a little prayer shawl.
This shows our constant devotion to God.
You may ask,
how did this tradition get started?
I'll tell you.
I don't know.
But it's a tradition.
And because of our traditions,
every one of us knows who he is
and what God expects him to do.
Who, day and night, must scramble for a living
Feed a wife and children
Say his daily prayers?
And who has the right as master of the house
To have the final word at home?
The papa
Tradition
The papa
Tradition
Who must know the way to make a proper home
A quiet home
A kosher home?
Who must raise a family and run the home
So Papa's free to read the Holy Book?
The mama
Tradition
The mama
Tradition
At three I started Hebrew school
At ten I learned a trade
I hear they picked a bride for me
I hope
she's pretty
And who does Mama teach
To mend and tend and fix?
Preparing her to marry
Whoever Papa picks
The daughters
Tradition
The papa
Mama
Sons
The daughters
Tradition
And in the circle of our little village,
we've always had our special types.
For instance,
Yente, the matchmaker,
. Reb Nachum, the beggar.
And, most important of all,
our beloved rabbi.
Rabbi, may I ask you a question?
Certainly, Leibesh.
Is there a proper blessing... for the Tzar?
A blessing for the Tzar?
Of course.
May God bless and keep the Tzar
far away from us!
Dai dai dai dai
Dai dai dai dai dai
Dai dai dai dai
Dai dai dai dai dai
Then there are the others in our village.
They make a much bigger circle.
We don't bother them
and so far, they don't bother us.
And among ourselves,
we always get along perfectly well.
Of course, there was the time when he sold him a horse.
He told him it was only six years old
when it was really 12.
But now it's all over.
And we all live in simple peace and harmony.
It was really 12 years old.
It was six!
Tevye knows it was 12.
How do you know?
12!
It was 12!
Tradition
Dai dai
Dai dai dai
Dai dai dai dum
Traditions, traditions.
Without our traditions,
our lives would be as shaky as
As...
As a fiddler on the roof!
Mama.
Mama, Yente the matchmaker is coming.
Maybe she's finally found a good match for you, Tzeitel.
From your mouth to God's ears.
Why is she here now? It's almost Sabbath.
Out, all of you! I want to talk to Yente alone.
But, Mama, the men she finds...
The last one was so old.
And he was bald!
He had no hair.
A poor girl without a dowry can't be particular.
If you want hair, marry a monkey.
Even a poor girl has to look at her husband sometimes.
A husband is not to look at, a husband is to get.
But, Mama, I'm not yet 20. I don't...
Sha! Do you have to boast about your age?
You'll tempt the evil eye.
Out, all of you.
There's work to be done before the Sabbath.
Golde!
Golde.
I have such news for you.
And not every-day-of-the-week news...
Once-in-a-lifetime news!
Hmm...
Such diamonds, such jewels.
I'll find a husband for every one of them.
But you shouldn't be so picky, right?
Of course right!
Because, after all, even the worst husband, God forbid,
is better than no husband, God forbid!
Who should know better than me?
Ever since my husband died, I've been a poor widow.
All alone, no-one to talk to, nothing to say to anyone.
All I do at night is think of him.
And even thinking of him
gives me no pleasure.
Is Tzeitel in the house?
Why don't you go and find out?
Thank you, Bielke.
He never raised his voice.
Er... Good afternoon. Is Tzeitel in the house?
She's busy. Come back later.
There's something I want to tell her.
Later!
Later.
What does a poor skinny tailor want with Tzeitel?
They've always been friends. They talk, they play...
Play? What do they play?
I don't know, they're children.
From such children come other children.
Motel is nothing!
Yente...
Yente, you said you had news for me.
Ah... children, children.
They are your blessing in your old age.
But my Aaron, may he rest in peace, couldn't give me children.
To tell you the truth, Golde,
he hardly tried.
But what's the use complaining?
Other women enjoy complaining.
Not Yente.
Not every woman in the world is a Yente.
Well, I...
I have to go home now
to prepare my poor Sabbath meal.
So er... goodbye, Golde.
And it was a pleasure talking our hearts out to each other.
Yente, you said you had news for me!
Oh, I'm losing my head.
Some day, it will fall off altogether.
A horse will kick it in the mud
and, 'Goodbye, Yente'.
Of course, the news.
It's about Lazar Wolf, the butcher.
A good man. A fine man.
And I don't have to tell you he's well off, no?
Yes.
But he's lonely, the poor man.
He's been a widower all these years.
You understand? Of course you do.
So! To make it short, out of the whole town,
he's cast his eye on Tzeitel.
My Tzeitel?
No, the Tzar's Tzeitel!
Of course your Tzeitel!
Such a match for my Tzeitel!
But... but Tevye wants a learned man.
He doesn't like Lazar.
Good, so Lazar won't marry him.
He wants the daughter, not the father.
Listen. Listen to me, Golde.
You send Tevye to him. Don't tell him what it's about.
Let Lazar discuss it himself.
He'll win him over, he's a good man and a wealthy man.
So!
You'll let me know how it went.
And you don't have to thank me, Golde.
Because, aside from my fee, which Lazar will pay anyway,
it gives me satisfaction to make people happy.
True? Of course, true.
So, er...
Goodbye, Golde, and you're welcome.
Goodbye, Yente.
Come! Come, children.
Get changed for the Sabbath. Hurry!
Hurry with your work!
I wonder if Yente found you a husband.
I'm not anxious for Yente to find me one.
Unless it's Motel, the tailor.
I didn't ask you.
Tzeitel, you're the oldest.
They have to find you a match before they find me one.
Then after her, one for me.
Oh, Yente, Yente, Yente, Yente!
Well, somebody has to arrange the matches.
It might be someone wonderful.
Someone interesting.
And well off.
And important.
Matchmaker, matchmaker
Make me a match
Find me a find
Catch me a catch
Matchmaker, matchmaker
Look through your book
And make me a perfect match
Matchmaker, matchmaker
I'll bring the veil
You bring the groom
Slender and pale
Bring me a ring
For I'm longing to be
The envy of all I see
For Papa, make him a scholar
For Mama, make him rich as a king
For me, well, I wouldn't holler
If he were handsome as anything
Matchmaker, matchmaker
Make me a match
Find me a find
Catch me a catch
Night after night in the dark I'm alone
So find me a match
Of my own
Since when are you interested in a match, Chava?
I thought you just had your eye on your books.
And you have your eye on the rabbi's son.
Well, why not?
We only have one rabbi
and he only has one son.
Why shouldn't I want the best?
Because you're a girl from a poor family.
So whatever Yente brings, you'll take.
Right?
Of course right.
Hodel! Oh, Hodel!
Have I made a match for you!
He's handsome, he's young
All right, he's 62
But he's a nice man, a good catch
True? True
I promise you'll be happy
And even if you're not
There's more to life than that
Don't ask me what
Chava! I found him
Will you be a lucky bride
He's handsome, he's tall
That is, from side to side
But he's a nice man, a good catch
- Right? - Right
You heard he has a temper
He'll beat you every night
But only when he's sober
So you're all right
Did you think you'd get a prince?
Well, I'll find the best I can
With no dowry, no money
No family background
Be glad you've got a man
Matchmaker, matchmaker
You know that I'm still very young
Please, take your time
Up to this minute
I misunderstood
That I could get stuck for good
Dear Yente, see that he's gentle
Remember, you were also a bride
It's not that I'm sentimental
It's just that I'm terrified
Matchmaker, matchmaker
Plan me no plans
I'm in no rush
Maybe I've learned
Playing with matches, a girl can get burned
So bring me no ring
Groom me no groom
Find me no find
Catch me no catch
Unless he's a matchless match
Dear God.
Was that necessary?
Did you have to make him lame just before the Sabbath?
That wasn't nice.
It's enough you pick on me.
Bless me with five daughters, a life of poverty, that's all right.
But what have you got against my horse?
Really, sometimes I think,
when things are too quiet up there,
you say to yourself,
"Let's see. "
"What kind of mischief can I play on my friend, Tevye?"
Aha! So you're finally here, my breadwinner.
I'll talk to you later.
So why are you late today?
His foot went lame.
Hurry up. The sun won't wait.
And I have something important to tell you.
I still have deliveries in the village.
You'll be late for the Sabbath.
I won't be late.
You'll be late.
I won't be late.
I won't be late!
If you ever stop talking, I won't be late!
You can die from such a man.
As the Good Book says,
"Heal us, O Lord, and we shall be healed. "
In other words,
send us the cure.
We've got the sickness already.
Well, I'm not really complaining.
After all, with your help,
I'm starving to death.
Oh, dear Lord!
You made many, many poor people.
I realise, of course,
it's no shame to be poor.
But it's no great honour either.
So what would have been so terrible
if I had a small fortune.
If I were a rich man
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum
All day long, I'd biddy biddy bum
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn't have to work hard
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum
If I were a biddy biddy rich
Idle deedle daidle daidle man
I'd build
A big, tall house
With rooms by the dozen
Right in the middle of the town
A fine, tin roof
With real wooden floors below
There would be one long staircase just going up
And one even longer coming down
And one more leading nowhere, just for show
I'd fill my yard with chicks and turkeys and geese
And ducks for the town to see and hear
Squawking just as noisily as they can
And each agay and ago and aga and a cack
Will land like a trumpet on the ear
As if to say, here lives a wealthy man
If I were a rich man
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum
All day long, I'd biddy biddy bum
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn't have to work hard
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum
If I were a biddy biddy rich
Idle deedle daidle daidle man
I'd see my wife, my Golde
Looking like a rich man's wife
With a proper double chin
Supervising meals to her heart's delight
I see her putting on airs and strutting like a peacock
Oh, what a happy mood she's in
Screaming at her servants day and night
The most important men in town will come to fawn on me
They will ask me to advise them
Like a Solomon The Wise
"If you please, Reb Tevye"
"Pardon me, Reb Tevye"
Posing problems that would cross a rabbi's eyes
Yah dee dee da da
Yah dee da da
Daa
And it won't make one bit of difference
If I answer right or wrong
When you're rich, they think you really know
If I were rich
I'd have that time that I lack
To sit in the synagogue and pray
And maybe have a seat by the eastern wall
And I'd discuss the Holy Books with the learned men
Seven hours every day
And that would be the sweetest thing of all
If I were a rich man
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum
All day long, I'd biddy biddy bum
If I were a wealthy man
I wouldn't have to work hard
Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum
Lord, who made the lion and the lamb
You decreed I should be what I am
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan
If I were a wealthy man?
Tevye, Tevye!
Where's your horse?
Well, it decided to take the day off.
Have a good Sabbath.
Thank you, Your Honour, thank you.
You're late!
Where's your horse?
You kept us all waiting!
What happened to your horse?
Look at this!
Look what it says in the paper.
Look, look, look!
Quiet! Quiet!
Stop braying like a pack of mules!
Let the man talk.
Talk, Avram.
My paper came to the post office today, like it always does.
Usually it comes on a Thursday, but it can be a day late...
Avram, that's not talking! That's babbling.
The news... What does it say?
Quiet!
Talk, Avram.
Well, I was reading my paper.
It's nothing very important, a story about the crops in the Ukraine,
and this and that.
Avram! Talk.
And then
I saw this.
All right. We all see it.
What does it say?
"In a village called Rajanka,
all the Jews were evicted,
forced to leave their homes. "
For what reason?
It doesn't say.
Maybe the Tzar wanted the land. Maybe a plague?
May the Tzar have his very own plague.
Amen.
What's the matter with you?
Why don't you ever bring us some good news?
It's not my fault. I only read it.
"An edict from the authorities. "
May the authorities grow like onions, their heads in the ground.
Amen!
What good will your cursing do?
You stand around, you curse and you chatter,
. and you don't do anything.
You'll all chatter your way into the grave.
Excuse me.
You're not from this village.
No.
Where are you from?
Kiev. I was a student in the university there.
Tell me. Is that the place where you learned how not to respect your elders?
That is where I learned there is more to life than talk.
You should know about events in the outside world!
Careful, my paper.
Why should I break my head about the outside world?
Let the outside world break its own head.
Well put!
He is right.
As the Good Book says,
"If you spit in the air, it lands in your face. "
Nonsense.
You can't close your eyes to what's happening in the world.
He is right.
He's right and he's right?
They can't both be right.
You know, you are also right.
He is right. He's too young to wipe his own nose.
Good Sabbath, Tevye.
- Good Sabbath. - Good Sabbath, Tevye.
Oh, yeah, I'm sorry. I apologise.
- Good Sabbath. - Good Sabbath.
Tevye, the rabbi's orders.
Oh, of course.
So you're from Kiev, Reb er...?
Perchik.
So you're a newcomer here, huh?
As Abraham said,
"I'm a stranger in a strange land. "
Moses said that.
Forgive me. Forgive me.
As King David said, "I'm slow of speech and slow of tongue. "
That was also Moses.
For a man with a slow tongue, he talked a lot.
Here, Reb Perchik.
Have a piece.
I have no money
and I'm not a beggar.
Ah, take it. It's a blessing for me to give.
Very well.
For your sake.
Thank you. Thank you.
You know, it's no crime to be poor.
It is the rich who are the criminals.
Some day, their wealth will be ours.
Oh, that would be nice.
If they would agree, I would agree.
And who will make this miracle to come to pass?
People. Ordinary people.
- Like you? - Like me.
Until your golden day comes, Reb Perchik, how will you live?
By giving lessons to children.
- Do you have any children? - I have five daughters.
Five?
Daughters.
Girls should learn too. Girls are people.
- A Radical! - Oh, go away.
I'd be willing to teach them, open their minds to great thoughts.
Yeah? I'd like them to know the Good Book.
The Bible has many lessons for our times.
Perchik,
I'm a very poor man.
But, food for lessons, huh?
Good, good. Stay with us for the Sabbath.
Of course, we don't eat like kings,
but we don't starve either.
As the Good Book says, "When a poor man eats a chicken,
one of them is sick. "
Where does the Book say that?
All right, all right!
It doesn't exactly say that,
but someplace, it has something about a chicken.
- Good Sabbath! - Good Sabbath.
Good Sabbath, children.
Good Sabbath, Papa.
Children, this is Perchik.
Perchik, this is my eldest daughter.
You have a pleasant daughter.
I have five pleasant daughters.
Ah, this is mine.
Good Sabbath, Papa.
And this is mine.
And this is mine...
And this is mine.
And...
This is not mine.
Perchik, this is Motel Kamzoil.
So, you did us a favour and came home.
This is also mine.
Golde. Golde, this is Perchik from Kiev.
He's staying the Sabbath with us.
He's a teacher. Would you like lessons from him?
Yes, Papa.
I'm a very good teacher.
I heard that the rabbi who must praise himself has a congregation of one.
Your daughter has a quick and witty tongue.
Well, the wit she gets from me.
As the Good Book says...
The Good Book can wait. Get washed.
The tongue she gets from her mother.
Motel, you're also eating with us?
Of course. Another blessing!
Tzeitel, get the small table.
Chava, the two chairs.
Children, finish dressing.
You can wash at the well.
Help them. Hurry, it's almost the Sabbath!
Tevye.
Tevye, I've something to say to you.
Why should today be different?
Tevye, I have something to tell you!
I have something to tell you.
Motel, Yente was here.
I know, I saw her.
If they agree on someone,
it will be too late for us.
But I have found someone who will sell me his used sewing machine!
Maybe in a few weeks, I'll have saved up...
A few weeks might be too late.
Lazar Wolf wants to see you.
The butcher? What about?
I don't know. Only he says it's important.
Important? I have nothing for him to slaughter.
After the Sabbath, talk with him.
Talk about what?
If he's thinking about buying my new milk cow,
he can forget it.
Tevye, I want you to talk...
Sssh!
Ashrey yushvey betecha looch sela
Tevye!
Tevye! I want you to talk to him!
Naam shekachn lo ashrey haam sheaoonay elehave
What else can I do?
You could ask my father for my hand tonight.
Now!
Why should he consider me now?
I'm only a poor tailor.
And I'm only the daughter of a poor milkman.
Just talk to him.
If your father says no, that's it!
It's final.
He'll yell at me.
Motel...
I'm just a poor tailor.
Motel!
Even a poor tailor is entitled to some happiness.
That's true.
Amen
Amen. A man sends you a message, at least talk to him!
- I don't want to... - Talk to him!
All right! After the Sabbath, I will!
All right,
I'll talk to him.
Well, it's getting late.
Where is everybody?
I don't know, Papa.
Children, come down! We are lighting the candles.
- Reb Tevye... - Not now, Motel.
Hurry up, children!
- Reb Tevye... - Not now!
Golde! Golde, the sun is almost down.
Reb... Reb Tevye.
What is it?!
Er... Reb Tevye.
Yes.
- Reb Tevye. - Yes? Yes?
- I er... - Yes... Well, Motel, what is it?
Good Sabbath, Reb Tevye.
Good Sabbath. Good Sabbath.
Hurry up.
Hurry, children, hurry. It's getting late.
May the Lord protect and defend you
May he always shield you from shame
May you come to be
In Israel a shining name
May you be like Ruth and like Esther
May you be deserving of praise
Strengthen them, O Lord
And keep them from the stranger's ways
May God bless you
And grant you long lives
May the Lord fulfil our Sabbath prayer for you
May God make you
Good mothers and wives
May he send you husbands who will care for you
May the Lord protect and defend you
May the Lord preserve you from pain
Favour them, O Lord
With happiness and peace
O hear our Sabbath prayer
Amen
Is Reb Lazar Wolf at home?
He's in the back.
May I er...?
Hmm?
Come in.
And all this from killing innocent animals?
Don't touch anything.
Well, Tevye!
You're here. Well, sit down, sit down.
Thank you, thank you.
Have a drink.
I won't insult you by saying no.
How goes it with you, Reb Tevye?
How should it go?
You're right.
And you?
The same.
I'm sorry to hear that.
Er...
Er... How is your er
brother-in-law... in America?
He's doing very well.
He wrote you?
No, not lately.
How do you know?
Ah, if he was doing badly, he would write.
Ah!
Ah.
- Cheiim. - Cheiim.
Tevye,...
Yeah?
I suppose you know
why I wanted to see you.
Oh, yes, I do. But er...
There is no use talking about it.
Er...
Tevye, I understand how you feel.
But er...
After all,
you have a few more without her.
Ah, I see.
Today you want one.
Tomorrow you may want two.
Two?
What... What would I do with two?
The same as you do with one.
Er...
Tevye.
This is very important to me.
Why is it so important to you?
Frankly,
because
I'm lonely.
Lonely?
Reb Lazar,
what are you talking about?
How can a little cow keep you company?
Little cow? Is that what you call her?
But that's what she is!
- What are you talking about? - Don't you know?
Of course I know! We are talking about my new milk cow.
The one you want to buy from me.
A milk cow!
A milk cow so I won't be lonely?
I'm talk... I'm talking about
your daughter.
Your daughter Tzeitel.
My daughter Tzeitel?
Of course, your daughter Tzeitel!
I see her every Thursday in my butcher's shop.
And she's made a very good impression on me.
A very good impression.
Reb Tevye,
I like her.
Why don't we just shake hands and call it a match, huh?
And
I will be good to her.
Tevye,...
I...
I like her.
Well?
What do you think?
What do I think?
Huh?
I never really liked him.
Why should I?
You can have a fine conversation with him
if you talk about kidneys and livers.
On the other hand,
not everyone has to be a scholar.
And with a butcher
my daughter will surely never know hunger.
Maybe I misjudged him.
He's a good man.
He likes her.
And he'll try to make her happy.
What do I think?
- It's a match! - What?
You agree?
I agree.
Oh, Tevye! You've made me a happy man.
Good.
Let's drink on it.
Why not?
To you!
No, my friend. To you.
The both of us!
- To our agreement! - Our agreement!
To our prosperity.
To our good health and happiness.
And most important of all,
Er...
Well...
To life, to life
Le'cheiim
Le'cheiim, le'cheiim
To life
Here's to the father I've tried to be
Here's to my bride-to-be
Drink, le'cheiim, to life
To life
Le'cheiim
Le'cheiim, le'cheiim
To life
Life has a way of confusing us
Blessing and bruising us
Drink, le'cheiim, to life
God would like us to be joyful
Even when our hearts lie panting on the floor
How much more can we be joyful
When there's really something to be joyful for
To life, to life
Le'cheiim
To Tzeitel my daughter
My wife!
It gives you something to think about
Something to drink about
Drink, le'cheiim
To life!
Mordcha!
Yes? What is it?
Drinks for everyone!
What's the big occasion?
I'm taking myself a bride.
Who's the lucky one?
Tevye's eldest... Tzeitel!
To Lazar Wolf
To Tevye
To Tzeitel your daughter
My wife
May all your futures be pleasant ones
Not like our present ones
Drink, le'cheiim
To life, to life
Le'cheiim, le'cheiim
Le'cheiim, le'cheiim, to life
It takes a wedding to make us say
Let's live another day
Drink, le'cheiim, to life
We'll raise a glass and sip a drop of schnapps
In honour of the great good luck that favoured you
We know that when good fortune favours two such men
It stands to reason we deserve it too
To us and our good fortune
Be happy
Be healthy
Long life
And if our good fortune never comes
Here's to whatever comes
Drink, le'cheiim
To life
Dai-dai-dai dai dai
Dai dai dai dai dai-dai
Dai dai dai dai dai
Dai dai dai
Dai-dai-dai-dai
Dai dai dai dai dai-dai
Dai dai dai dai dai dai-dai
Dai dai
Dai-dai dai dai dai dai
Dai-dai-dai dai dai
Dai dai dai-dai-dai-dai-dai
Dai-dai dai dai dai dai
Dai-dai-dai-dai dai
Dai
Za vasha zdorovia
Heaven bless you both
Nazdrovia
To your health
And may we live together in peace
Thank you.
Za vasha zdorovia
Heaven bless you both
Nazdrovia
To your health and may we live together in peace
May you both be favoured with the future of your choice
May you live to see a thousand reasons to rejoice
Za
Va...
Hi
Hey!
I like it!
Dai dai dai dai dai
Da-da da-da da da
Drinks for everybody!
Mazel tov!
To life!
Tevye.
After the marriage,
we will be related.
Yes.
You... will be my papa.
Your papa.
Lazar Wolf,
I always wanted a son.
But I wanted one a little younger than myself!
- Goodnight. - Goodnight.
I hear that congratulations are in order, Tevye.
Ah. Ah, thank you, Your Honour.
Thank you.
Tevye!
Tevye.
Yes, Your Honour?
I have some news I think I should tell you as a friend.
Yes, Your Honour.
I'm giving you this news because I like you.
Ah.
You're honest and decent
even though you are a Jew.
Oh!
Thank you, Your Honour.
How often does a man get a compliment like that?
And the news?
We have received orders that sometime soon
this district is to have a little unofficial demonstration.
What?
A pogrom
here?
No, no, no. Just a little unofficial demonstration.
Little?
How little?
Not too serious.
Just some mischief,
so if an inspector comes through, he can see we did our duty.
I don't know why there has to be this trouble between people.
But I thought I should tell you.
Thank you, Your Honour.
You are a good man.
If I may say so,
it's too bad you're not a Jew.
That's what I like about you, Tevye.
You're always joking.
Congratulations again for your daughter.
Thank you, Your Honour.
Oh, about the other matter.
It won't be too bad. I wouldn't worry.
Yeah, of course not.
Dear God.
Did you have to send me news like that today of all days?
I know, I know we are the chosen people.
But once in a while, can't you choose someone else?
Anyway,
thank you for sending a husband for my Tzeitel.
Le'cheiim.
"If I Were A Rich Man"
After Jacob had worked for Laban for seven years,
do you know what happened?
Laban fooled him and gave him his ugly daughter Leah.
So to marry Rachel, Jacob was forced to work another seven years.
So, you see, children,
the Bible clearly teaches us
you can never trust an employer.
And that is what the Bible teaches us?
That is the lesson of the story of Jacob... if you interpret it correctly.
Is your papa up yet?
No, Mama.
Enough lessons!
Back to the house, there's work to be done!
Go on, children.
Another story tomorrow.
That was a very interesting lesson, Perchik.
Do you think so?
Mmm.
Although I don't know if the rabbi would agree with your interpretation.
Neither, I suppose, would the rabbi's son.
My little sisters talk too much.
And what do you know about him, except that he is the rabbi's son?
At least I know this.
He has no strange ideas about turning the world upside down.
Good day, Perchik.
You have wit, even some intelligence!
Thank you.
Perhaps, but what good is your brain?
Without curiosity, it is a rusty tool!
Good day, Hodel!
We have an old custom here!
A boy talks respectfully to a girl.
But that is too traditional for an advanced thinker like you.
Our traditions! Nothing must change.
Everything is perfect as it is!
We like our ways.
Our ways are changing in other places.
In the city, boys and girls can be affectionate
without a matchmaker's permission?
They hold hands together.
They even dance together.
New dances... like this!
I learned it in Kiev.
Do you like it?
It's... it's very nice.
There.
We've just changed an old custom.
Yes.
I mean,
th... thank you.
I mean,
good day!
Go away!
Oooh!
Ooh.
Mmm.
Ooh!
So, my prince is finally out of bed.
Oh, go away.
Open your eyes! The day's half gone.
Well, what happened last night, besides you drinking like a peasant?
Did you see Lazar Wolf?
Well?
Well?!
Well, what did he say?
What did you say?
Where...
Where... Where's Tzeitel?
She's in the barn. Do you have news for me?
Did you talk with Lazar Wolf? What happened?
Sssh! Patience, woman, patience.
As the Good Book says, good news will stay.
And bad news will refuse to leave.
And another saying goes...
You can die from such a man!
Did you see Lazar? How was it?
Sha, woman, sha.
Are you still drunk or what?
Ah! Here she is.
Tzeitel, my lamb. Come here.
You are to be congratulated.
You are going to be married.
Married!
What do you mean, Papa?
Lazar Wolf has asked for your hand.
I knew it!
The butcher?
Dear God, I thank thee.
I thank thee!
Why do you have to...?
What do you have to say, Tzeitel?
What can she say?
Let her say one word.
My first-born... a bride!
Oh!
May you grow old with him in fortune and honour.
Not like Fruma Sarah, that first wife of Lazar's.
She was a bitter woman, may she rest in peace.
Not like my Tzeitel.
And now I must thank Yente.
My Tzeitel... a bride!
A bride!
I thank thee, I thank thee!
Well, Chava?
Huh?
Mazel tov, Tzeitel.
"Mazel tov, Tzeitel. "
What kind of a mazel tov is that?
And you, Reb Perchik, aren't you going to congratulate her?
Congratulations, Tzeitel,
for getting a rich man.
Aah!
Again with the rich.
What's wrong with being rich?
It's no reason to marry.
Money's the world's curse.
May the Lord smite me with it.
And may I never recover!
World's curse!
My Tzeitel knows I mean only her welfare.
Am I right, Tzeitel?
Yes, Papa.
There, you see?
I see.
I see very well.
Well, my child?
Why are you so silent?
Aren't you happy with this blessing, huh?
Papa...
Papa.
What is it? Tell me.
Papa, I don't want to marry him.
I can't marry him, I can't.
What do you mean, you can't?
If I say you will,
you will.
Papa, if it's a matter of money, I'll do anything.
I'll hire myself out as a servant,
just anything!
But we made an agreement!
And with us, an agreement is an agreement.
Is that
more important than I am, Papa?
Papa, don't force me, please!
I'll be unhappy all my days!
I don't want to marry him!
All right.
I won't force you.
Oh, thank you, Papa! Thank you.
"Thank you, Papa. "
It seems
it was not ordained that you should have all the comforts of life.
Reb Tevye, may I speak to you?
Later, Motel. Later.
But I would like to speak to you!
Not now, Motel. Not now.
I have problems.
That's why I want to speak to you.
I think I can help.
Yes, like a bandage can help a corpse.
Goodbye, Motel, goodbye.
At least listen to him, Papa!
All right, you have a tongue. Talk.
Reb Tevye, I hear you are arranging a match for Tzeitel.
Ah, he also has ears.
Well,
I have a match for Tzeitel.
What kind of a match?
A perfect fit.
Like a glove.
This match was made exactly to measure.
Perfect fit? Made to measure?
Motel, stop talking like a tailor and tell me, who is it?
Please don't shout at me, Reb Tevye.
All right, I won't.
Who is it?
Who is it?!
- Who is it? - Who is it?
Who is it?!
It's me.
Myself.
It's him!
Himself!
Either you're out of your mind
or you are crazy!
He must be crazy!
Arranging a match for yourself?
What are you? Everything?
The bridegroom, matchmaker, and guests in one?
I suppose you'll perform the ceremony, too?
Please don't shout, Reb Tevye.
As for being my matchmaker,
- I know it's unusual. - Unusual? It's crazy!
Times are changing, Reb Tevye.
The thing is, a year ago, Tzeitel and I gave each other our pledge
that we would marry.
You gave each other a pledge?
Yes, Papa.
We gave each other our pledge.
They gave each other a pledge?
Unheard of. Absurd.
You gave each other a pledge
Unthinkable!
Where do you think you are?
In Moscow? In Paris?
Where do they think they are?
America?
What do you think you're doing?
You're a stitcher, you're nothing
Who do you think you are?
King Solomon?
This isn't the way it's done
Not here, not now
Some things I will not - I cannot - allow
Tradition
Marriages must be arranged
By the papa
This should never be changed
One little time, you pull out the prop
And where does it stop? Where does it stop?
Do I still have something to say about my daughter?
Doesn't anyone have to ask a father now?
I've wanted to ask you for some time.
But first, I wanted to save enough for my own sewing machine...
Stop talking nonsense.
You are just a poor tailor!
That's true, but even a poor tailor is entitled to some happiness!
I promise you, Reb Tevye, your daughter will not starve.
Hmm.
He's beginning to talk like a man.
On the other hand,
what kind of a match would that be
with a poor tailor?
On the other hand,
he is an honest, hard worker.
But on the other hand,
he has absolutely nothing.
On the other hand,
things could never get worse for him, only better.
They gave each other a pledge.
Unheard of!
Absurd!
They gave each other a pledge
Unthinkable
But look at my daughter's face
She loves him
She wants him
And look at my daughter's eyes
So hopeful
Tradition!
Well, children,
when shall we make the wedding?
Thank you, Papa!
Ooh! Reb Tevye,
you won't be sorry!
You won't be sorry.
I won't be sorry?
I'm sorry already.
Thank you, Papa.
Thank you,... Papa.
All right, all right.
Papa.
They gave each other a pledge.
Golde!
What shall I tell Golde?
- Motel, you were wonderful! - It was a miracle!
Wonder of wonders
Miracle of miracles
God took a Daniel once again
Stood by his side and miracle of miracles
Walked him through the lion's den
Wonder of wonders
Miracle of miracles
I was afraid that God would frown
But like he did so long ago in Jericho
God just made a wall fall down
When Moses softened Pharaoh's heart
That was a miracle
When God made the waters of the Red Sea part
That was a miracle, too
But of all God's miracles, large and small
The most miraculous one of all
Is that out of a worthless lump of clay
God has made a man today
Wonder of wonders
Miracle of miracles
God took a tailor by the hand
Turned him around
And miracle of miracles
Led him to the Promised Land
When David slew Goliath
Yes, that was a miracle
When God gave us manna in the wilderness
That was a miracle, too
But of all God's miracles, large and small
The most miraculous one of all
Is the one I thought could never be
God has given you
To me
Good day!
Hello, Sarah!
Mazel tov, Chava, mazel tov!
Soon it will be you.
Give my best wishes to Tzeitel!
I will.
Mazel tov! Mazel tov!
Mazel tov, Chava!
Mazel tov, mazel tov!
Don't. Please, I just want...
All right, stop it.
What's wrong with you, Fyedka?
Just stop it.
We're just having a little fun, Fyedka.
Goodbye, Sasha.
I said goodbye.
I'm sorry about that. They mean no harm.
Don't they?
Is there something you want?
Yes. I'd like to talk to you.
I'd rather not.
I've often noticed you at the bookseller's.
Not many girls in this village like to read.
Would you like to
to borrow this book?
It's very good.
No,
thank you.
Why?
Because I'm not Jewish?
Do you feel about me... the way they feel about you?
I didn't think you would.
And what do you know about me, eh?
Let me tell you about myself.
I'm a pleasant fellow.
Charming,
honest,
ambitious, quite bright.
And very modest.
Go ahead.
Take the book.
And after you return it,
I'll ask you how you like it.
And we can talk about it for a while.
Then we can talk about life.
How we feel... about things.
Here.
Thank you.
Good day, Chava.
Good day.
Fyedka!
Fyedka.
Help!
Tevye!
Help, help.
Tevye, what is the matter?
Tzeitel... Help!
What is the matter with you? Wake up!
Where is she?
Where is who? What are you talking about?
Fruma Sarah, Lazar Wolf's first wife.
She was standing here a minute ago.
Where is she?
What are you talking about?
Fruma Sarah has been dead for years.
Sha, you must have been dreaming.
Sha. Sha.
Tell me what you dreamt and I'll tell you what it meant.
Oh. It was terrible.
Tell me.
All right. Only don't be frightened!
In the beginning, I dreamt that er
we were having... a celebration of some kind.
Everybody we knew,... all of our beloved departed were there.
All of them.
Even your Great Uncle Mordechai was there.
And er... and your cousin Rachel was there.
And in the middle of the dream,
in walks your grandmother Tzeitel, may she rest in peace.
Grandmother Tzeitel? How did she look?
For a woman who is dead 30 years, she looked very good.
Naturally, I went up to greet her.
- A blessing on your head - Mazel tov, mazel tov
- To see a daughter wed - Mazel tov, mazel tov
And such a son-in-law
Like no-one ever saw
The tailor Motel Kamzoil
Motel?
A worthy boy is he
Mazel tov, mazel tov
- Of pious family - Mazel tov, mazel tov
They named him after my dear Uncle Mordechai
The tailor Motel Kamzoil
The tailor? She misheard. She meant the butcher.
I'll tell her.
You must have heard wrong, Grandma
There's no tailor
Huh?
You mean the butcher, Grandma
By the name of Lazar Wolf
No, no, no
I mean the tailor, Tevye
My great grandchild
My little Tzeitel, who you named for me
Motel's bride was meant to be