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!
d Tradition d d
d Tradition d
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.
d Who, day and night, must scramble for a living d
d feed a wife and children say his daily prayers? d
d And who has a right as master of the house d
d to have the final word at home d
d The papa d
d Tradition d
d The papa d
d Tradition d
d Who must know the way to make a proper home d
d a quiet home, a kosher home? d
d Who must raise a family and run the home d
d So Papa's free to read the Holy Book? d
d The mama d
d Tradition d
d The mama d
d Tradition d
d At three I started Hebrew school. d
d At ten I learned a trade. d
d I hear they picked a bride for me. d
d I hope she's pretty. d
- AH!
d I hope she's pretty. d
d And who does Mama teach d
d To mend and tend and fix? d
d Preparing her to marry d
d whoever Papa picks. d
d The daughters. d
d Tradition. d
d - The papa d d - Mama. d
d - Sons. d d - The daughters. d
d Tradition d
And in the circle of our little village,
we've always had our special types.
For instance,
Yente the matchmaker,
For your girl.
Reb Nachum the beggar,
Get away.
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.
d Dai dai dai dai d
d Dai dai dai dai dai d
d Dai dai dai dai d
d Dai dai dai dai dai d
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
and 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 it was realy 12?
Twelve! Twelve!
It was 12!
d Tradition. d
Dai dai.
Dai 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 does she have to come 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 so particular.
You want hair, marry a monkey.
Even a poor girl without a dowry has to look at her husband sometime.
A husband is not to look at, a husband is to get.
But mama, I'm not yet 20 years old.
- Sha! - I don't think I
Do you have to boast about your age?
Do you want to tempt the evil eye?
Tup'-tup'-tup'
Oh, out, all of you.
There's work to be done before the Sabbath. Hurry! All of you, hurry.
Golde?
Golde, I have such news for you.
And not every day in the week news.
Once in a lifetime news.
Mmm, 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!
And 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 in and find out?
Thank you, Bielke.
- Yet he never raised his voice. - Er... Good afternoon.
Is Tzeitel in the house?
She's busy. Come back later.
But there's something I like to tell her.
Later.
Later Oh, all right.
What does that poor skinny tailor want with Tzeitel?
They've been friends since they were babies. They talk, they play.
They play? What do they play?
I don't know. They're children.
Oh, 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, heh', may he rest in peace, couldn't give me children.
To tell 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!
Oi, I'm losing my head.
Someday it'll fall off altogether
and a horse will kick it in the mud
and good-bye, 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.
After all 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! Let me know how it went.
A-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 good-bye, Golde, and you're welcome.
Good-bye, Yente.
Come! Come, children. Get changed for the Sabbath. Hurry.
Hurry with your work.
I wonder if Yente found a husband for you.
I'm not anxious for Yente to find me a husband.
- Not unless it's Motel the tailor. - I didn't ask you.
Tzeitel, you're the oldest. They have to make a match for you
before making one for me.
And then after her, one for me.
- So if Yente brings som... - Yente, Yente, Yente!
Well, somebody has to arrange the matches.
- She might bring someone wonderful. - Someone interesting.
- Well off. - And important.
d Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match. d
d Find me a find. d
d Catch me a catch. d
d Matchmaker, matchmaker look through your book. d
d And make me a perfect match. d
d Matchmaker, matchmaker I'll bring the veil. d
d You bring the groom. d
d Slender and pale. d
d Bring me a ring for I'm longing to be. d
d The envy of all I see. d
d For Papa, make him a scholar. d
d For Mama, make him rich as a king. d
d For me, well, I wouldn't holler. d
d If he were as handsome as anything. d
d Matchmaker, matchmaker make me a match. d
d Find me a find, catch me a catch. d
d Night after night in the dark I'm alone. d
d So find me a match d
d of my own. d
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.
d Hodel! Oh, Hodel! Have I made a match for you. d
d He's handsome, he's young. All right, he's 62. d
d But he's a nice man. A good catch, true, true. d
d I promise you'll be happy And even if you're not. d
d There's more to life than that. d
d Don't ask me what. d
d Chava! I found him. Will you be a lucky bride d
d He's handsome, he's tall That is, from side to side. d
d But he's a nice man A good catch. Right? d
d Right. d
d - You heard he has a temper. d d - He'll beat you every night. d
d But only when he's sober d dd So you're all right. d d
d Did you think you'd get a prince. d
d Well, I'll find the best I can. d
dd With no dowry, no money. dd
dd No family background. dd
d Be glad you've got a man. d
d Matchmaker, matchmaker You know that I'm d
d still very young. d
d Please take your time. d
d Up to this minute I misunderstood d
d that I could get stuck for good. d
d Dear Yente, see that he's gentle dd
d Remember, you were also a bride d
d It's not that I'm sentimental. d
d It's just that I'm terrified. d
d Matchmaker, matchmaker Plan me no plans d
d I'm in no rush. Maybe I've learned. d
d Playing with matches a girl can get burned. d
d So bring me no ring. d
d Groom me no groom. Find me no find. d
d Catch me no catch. d
d Unless he's a matchless match. d
Dear God, was that necessary?
Did you have to make him lame just before the Sabbath?
Ah, 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.
Well hurry up. The sun won't wait.
And I have something important to say to 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 realize, of course, it's no shame to be poor
but it's no great honor either.
Ahh
So what would have been so terrible
if I had a small fortune?
d If I were a rich man. d
d Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum d
d All day long I'd biddy biddy bum. d
d If I were a wealthy man d
d I wouldn't have to work hard. d
d Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum d
If I were a biddy biddy rich.
d Idle deedle daidle daidle man d
d I'd build. d
d A big, tall house. d
d With rooms by the dozen. d
d Right in the middle of the town. d
d A fine tin roof with real wooden floors below. d
d There would be one long staircase just going up. d
d And one even longer coming down. d
d And one more leading nowhere just for show d
d I'd fill my yard. d
d With chicks and turkeys and geese. d
d And ducks for the town to see and hear. d
d Squawking just as noisily as they can. d
d And each loud. d
Agay and agoo and aga and a cack.
d Will land like a trumpet on the ear. d
d As if to say. d
d Here lives a wealthy man. d
Ahh
d If I were a rich man. d
d Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum d
d All day long I'd biddy biddy bum. d
d If I were a wealthy man d
d I wouldn't have to work hard. d
d Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum d
d If I were a biddy biddy rich. d
d Idle deedle daidle daidle man d
d I'd see my wife, my Golde. d
d Looking like a rich man's wife. d
d With a proper double chin. d
d Supervising meals to her heart's delight d
d I'd see her putting on airs and strutting like a peacock. d
d Oh, what a happy mood she's in. d
d Screaming at the servants day and night. d
Wee YaHaa! Wee YaHaa!
d The most important men in town d
d will come to fawn on me. d
d They will ask me to advise them. d
d Like Solomon the Wise. d
d "If you please, Reb Tevye" d
d "Pardon me, Reb Tevye" d
d Posing problems that would cross a rabbi's eyes. d
d Yah dee dee da da d
d Yah dee da da d
d daa d
d And it won't make one bit of difference. d
d If I answer right or wrong. d
d When you're rich they think you really know. d
d If I were rich d
d I'd have the time that I lack. d
d To sit in the synagogue and pray. d
d And maybe have a seat by the Eastern wall. d
d And I'd discuss the holy books. d
d With the learned men d seven hours every day.
d And that would be. d
d The sweetest thing of all. d
Oi.
d If I were a rich man. d
d Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum d
d All day long I'd biddy biddy bum. d
d If I were a wealthy man d
d I wouldn't have to work hard. d
d Yubby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dibby dum d
d Lord who made the lion and the lamb. d
d You decreed I should be what I am. d
d Would it spoil some vast eternal plan d
d if I were d
d a wealthy d
d man? d
Tevye, Tevye! Where's your horse?
Well, he decided to take the day off.
- Have a good Sabbath. - Thank you, Your Honor, thank you.
- Tevye, you're late. - Where's your horse?
- It's almost the Sabbath. - You kept us all waiting.
What happened to your horse?
Look at this! Look what it says in the paper!
- Look, look, look! - What's the matter, Avram?
Sha! Quiet!
Quiet! Quiet!
Stop braying like a pack of mules, and let a man talk. Talk, Avram.
Well my paper came to the post office today like it does every week.
Though usually it comes on a Thursday, but sometimes
Avram, that's not talking. That's babbling.
- Tell us 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 their land. Maybe a plague.
May the Tzar have his own personal plague!
Amen! - Ptooi! -
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
with their heads in the ground.
Amen! - Ptooi! -
What good will your cursing do?
You stand around, curse and 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.
The university.
Tell me, is that a 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 whats going on 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's 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's right.
He's right, and he's right?
They can't both be right.
You know, you are also right.
He's too young to wipe his own nose.
Good Sabbath, Tevye. The university!
- Here. Good Sabbath. - Good Sabbath, Tevye.
Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. I apologize. Here.
- Good Sabbath. Good Sabbath. - Good Sabbath.
Tevye, the rabbi's orders.
Oh, of course.
So you're from Kiev, Reb er?
- Perchik. - Perchik.
So you are 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.
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.
Hum, in this world, it is the rich are the criminals.
- Someday 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.
And 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.
Well 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.
- Did Yente find somebody? - I don't know.
- Good Sabbath, children. - Good Sabbath, Papa.
Children, this is Perchik.
Perchik, this is my eldest daughter.
Good Sabbath. You have a pleasant daughter.
I have five pleasant daughters.
- Ah, This is mine, and this is mine - Good Sabbath, Papa. - Good Sabbath, Papa.
And this is mine
and this is mine, and this is mine, and
Well, this is not mine. Perchik, this is Motel Kamzoil.
So, you did us a favor and came home.
Well, this is also mine.
Golde.
Golde, this is Perchik from Kiev.
He'll be staying the Sabbath with us. He is a teacher!
- Would you like to take lessons? - I'm a very good teacher.
I heard once 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?
- If it - Of course. Another blessing.
Tzeitel, Tzeitel, get the small table. And Chava, the two chairs from outside.
Children, finish dressing. You can wash at the well.
Hurry. Hodel, help them hurry. Hurry, it's almost the Sabbath. Hurry!
Tevye.
Tevye, I have something to say to you.
Why should today be different?
Tevye, I have something to tell you!
Tzeitel, I have something to tell you.
- Motel, Yente was here. - I know, I saw her.
If they agree on someone, it will be a match,
and then it will be too late for us.
But Tzeitel, I have found someone who will sell me his used sewing machine!
So maybe in a few weeks I'll have saved up enough to buy it, and then your father
A few weeks might be too late.
Lazar Wolf wants to see you.
The butcher? What is it about?
I don't know, only he says it's important.
What can be important? I have nothing for him to slaughter.
After the Sabbath, see him, 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!
Naam shekachn lo ashrey haam sheaoonay elehave.
- Tevye - Ashrey
- I want you to talk to - Yushvey betecha
looch sela
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.
I'm only the daughter of a poor milkman. Just talk to him.
Tzeitel, 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 an important message, at least you can talk to him.
- I don't want to - Talk to him!
All right! After the Sabbath I'll talk to him!
All right. I'll talk to him.
Well, it's getting late.
- Where is everybody? - I don't know, Papa.
Children! Come down, children! We are lighting the candles. Children!
- Reb Tevye - Not now, Motel.
Hurry up, children! Hurry up.
- Reb Tevye - Not now Motel.
Golde!
Golde, the sun is almost down.
- Reb Reb Tevye. - What is it?
Reb Tevye.
- Yes? Yes. - Reb Tevye.
- Yes yes - I
Well, Motel, what is it?!?
Good Sabbath, Reb Tevye.
Good Sabbath Good Sabbath.
Hurry up.
Hurry, children hurry. It's getting late. Hurry.
d May the Lord protect and defend you. d
d May he always shield you from shame. d
d May you come to be. d
d In Israel a shining name. d
d May you be like Ruth and like Esther. d
d May you be deserving of praise. d
d Strengthen them, O Lord. d
d And keep them from the stranger's ways. d
d May God bless you. d
d And grant you long lives. d
d May the Lord fulfill our Sabbath prayer for you. d
d May God make you. d
d Good mothers and wives. d
d May he send you husbands. d
d Who will care for you. d
d May the Lord protect and defend you. d
d May the Lord preserve you from pain. d
d Favor them, O Lord. d
d With happiness and peace. d
d Oh, hear our Sabbath prayer. d
d Amen. d
Is Reb
Is Reb Lazar Wolf at home?
He's in the back.
Oh. May I
- Come in. - Oh, thank you.
And all this from killing innocent animals?
- Don't touch anything. - All right.
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.
Well. 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. - Oh, he wrote you?
- No, not lately. - Then how do you know?
Ah, If he was doing badly, he would write.
Ah!
Ah.
- Cheiim. - Cheiim.
- Tevye - Yeah?
Er... I suppose you know why I wanted to see you.
Oh, yes, I do, but
there is no use talking about it.
Er...
Tevye, I understand how you feel.
But
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?
What else should I call her? 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 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?
And
I'll 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.
- You agree? - I agree.
- You've made me a happy man. - Good.
- Let's drink on it. - Why not?
- To you. - No, my friend. To you.
- To both of us. - To our agreement!
To our prosperity.
To our good health and happiness.
And most important of all
Er...
Well
d To life, to life Le'chayim. d
d Le'chayim, le'chayim To life. d
d Here's to the father I've tried to be. d
d Here's to my bride-to-be. d
d Drink le'chayim to life. d
d To life Le'cheiim d
d Le'cheiim, le'cheiim To life d
d Life has a way of confusing us. d
d Blessing and bruising us. d
d Drink, le'cheiim, to life d
d God would like us to be joyful. d
d Even when our hearts lie panting on the floor. d
d How much more can we be joyful. d
d When there's really something. d
d To be joyful for. d
d To life, to life d
d Le'cheiim d
d - To Tzeitel, my daughter. d d - My wife. d
d It gives you something to think about. d
d Something to drink about. d
d Drink, le'cheiim d
d To life! d
- 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!
d To Lazar Wolf. d
d To Tevye. d
d - To Tzeitel, your daughter. d d - My wife. d
d May all your futures be pleasant ones. d
d Not like our present ones. d
d Drink, le'cheiim To life, to life d
d - Le'cheiim, d - le'cheiim
d Le'cheiim, le'cheiim, to life d
d It takes a wedding to make us say. d
d Let's live another day. d
d Drink, le'cheiim, to life d
d We'll raise a glass and sip a drop of schnapps. d
d In honor of the great good luck that favored you. d
d We know that when good fortune favors two such men. d
d It stands to reason we deserve it too. d
d To us and our good fortune. d
d Be happy, be healthy, long life. d
d And if our good fortune never comes. d
d Here's to whatever comes. d
d Drink, le'cheiim d
d To life d
d Dai-dai-dai dai dai d
d Dai dai dai dai dai-dai d
d Dai dai dai dai dai d d Dai dai dai dai d
d Dai-dai-dai-dai d
d Dai dai dai dai dai-dai d
d Dai daii daii daii dai-dai d
d Dai-dai dai daii daii daii dai dai dai d
d Dai dai d
d Dai-dai daii dai dai dai dai dai d
d Dai-dai-dai dai dai dai d
d Dai-dai-dai-dai dai d
d Dai dai dai dai-dai-dai-dai-dai d
d Dai-dai dai dai dai dai dai dai dai d
d Dai d
d Za vasha zdorovia d
d Heaven bless you both. d
d Nazdrovia d
d To your health. d
d And may we live together in peace. d
Thank you.
d Za vasha zdorovia d
d Heaven bless you both d
d Nazdrovia d
d To your health and may we live together in peace d
d Hay! May you both be favored with the future of your choice. d
d May you live to see a thousand reasons to rejoice. d
d - Za - Za vasha zdorovia d .
d - Za - Heaven bless you both d .
d - Za - Nazdrovia d .
d - Va - To your health d .
d - Va - May we live together in peace d
Hey!
Hay.
Hey! I like it!
Dai dai dai dai. Hay!
Da-da da-da da da da da.
Hay!
Hay, hay, hay, hay, hay.
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.
d Dai dai d
Drinks for everybody!
Mazel tov!
To life!
Tevye.
After
the marriage
we will be related.
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.
Oh, thank you, Your Honor.
Thank you.
Tevye!
Tevye.
Yes, Your Honor?
I have this resent news I think I should tell you as a friend.
Yes, Your Honor.
I'm giving you this news because I like you.
Ah.
You're an honest, decent person, even though you are a Jew.
Oh, thank you, Your Honor.
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, -no, -no. Just a little unofficial demonstration.
Little?
- How little? - Not too serious.
Just mischief so that if an inspector comes
he can see that we did our duty.
Personally, I don't know why there has to be trouble between people.
But I thought I should tell you.
Thank you, Your Honor.
You're a good man.
If I may say so
it's too bad you're not a Jew.
That's what I like about you.
You're always joking.
Congratulations again for your daughter.
Thank you, Your Honor.
Oh, about the other matter, it won't be too bad.
- I wouldn't worry. - Of course not.
Dear God
did you have to send me news like that
today of all days?
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.
Now, 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.
What do you know about him, except that he is a 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 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 of course that is too traditional for an advanced thinker like you.
Our traditions! Nothing must change.
Everything is perfect exactly the way it is!
- We like our ways. - Our ways are changing all over but here.
Do you know that in the city, boys and girls can be affectionate
without the permission of a matchmaker?
They hold hands together. They even dance together!
New dances, like this.
I learned it in Kiev.
- Do you like it? - It's very nice.
There.
We've just changed an old custom.
Yes.
I mean, th thank you.
I mean
good day!
Go away!
Mmm.
Ooh!
So, my prince is finally out of bed.
- Not now. - Open your eyes.
- Go away. - The day's half gone.
Well?
Well, what happened last night besides your 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? Well, what happened?
Woman, patience.
As the Good Book says, good news will stay
and bad news will refuse to leave.
- And there's another saying - You can die from such a man!
Did you see Lazar? Was it friendly?
- Sha, woman! - 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? - Oh 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 firstborn, a bride.
May you grow old with him in fortune and honor.
Not like Fruma Sarah, that first wife of Lazar's.
She was a bitter woman. (Tup'-tup') 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, Chaveleh?
Mazel tov, Tzeitel.
"Mazel tov, Tzeitel."
What kind of a mazel tov is that?
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!
"The 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 work as a servant.
- Just don't - 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.
All right.
I won't force you.
Oh, thank you, Papa.
"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.
Sertanly, like a bandage can help a corpse. Good-bye, Motel. Good-bye.
At least listen to him, Papa.
All right. You have a tongue. Talk.
Reb Tevye, I-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 shout.
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're crazy!
He must be crazy! Arranging a match for yourself?
Tell me what are you everything?
The bridegroom, the matchmaker, the guests all rolled into one?
I suppose you'll even perform the ceremony yourself!
Please don't shout at me, Reb Tevye.
Now as for being my matchmaker, I know it's unusual.
Unusual? It's crazy!
Times are changing, Reb Tevye.
The thing is, over a year ago, your daughter, 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.
d They gave each other a pledge. d
d Unheard of, absurd. d
d You gave each other a pledge.
Unthinkable. d
d Where do you think you are? In Moscow, in Paris? d
d Where do they think they are? d
d America? d
d And what do you think you're doing? You stitcher, you nothing. d
d Who do you think you are King Solomon? d
d This isn't the way it's done, not here, not now. d
d Some things I will not d
d I cannot allow! d
d Tradition. d
d Marriages must be arranged d
d by the papa. d
d This should never be changed. d
d One little time you pull out the prop d
d and where does it stop? Where does it stop? d
Where does it stop?
Do I still have something to say about my daughter
or doesn't anyone have to ask a father anymore?
I've wanted to ask you for some time Reb Tevye.
But first, I wanted to save enough for my own sewing machine
You stop talking nonsense.
You are just a poor tailor!
That's true, Reb Tevye 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.
They could only get better.
They gave each other a pledge.
Unheard of,
absurd.
d They gave each other a pledge. d
d Unthinkable. d
d But look at my daughter's face. d
d She loves him She wants him. d
d And look at my daughter's eyes. d
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.
All right. Go, go.
Papa.
They gave each other a pledge.
Ahh
Golde!
What shall I tell Golde?
Motel, you were wonderful!
It was a miracle!
d Wonder of wonders. Miracle of miracles. d
d God took a Daniel once again. d
d Stood by his side and miracle of miracles. d
d Walked him through the lion's den. d
d Wonder of wonders. Miracle of miracles d
d I was afraid that God would frown. d
d But like he did so long ago in Jericho. d
d God just made a wall fall down. d
d When Moses softened Pharaoh's heart. d
d That was a miracle. d
d When God made the waters of the Red Sea part. d
d That was a miracle too. d
d But of all God's miracles large and small. d
d The most miraculous one of all. d
d Is that out of a worthless lump of clay. d
d God has made a man today. d
d Wonder of wonders. Miracle of miracles. d
d God took a tailor by the hand. d
d Turned him around and miracle of miracles. d
d Led him to the Promised Land. d
d When David slew Goliath, yes. d
d That was a miracle. d
d When God gave us manna in the wilderness. d
d That was a miracle too. d
But of all God's miracles large and small.
d The most miraculous one of all. d
d Is the one I thought could never be. d
d God has given you. d
d To me. d
Good day.
Hello, Sarah.
- Mazel tov, Chava, mazel tov! - Thank you.
- Soon it will be you. - I hope so.
- Give my best wishes to Tzeitel. - I will.
- Mazel tov, mazel tov! - Bye.
Mazel tov, Chava!
Mazel tov
No, don't Please please. I just want to pass.
All right, stop it.
What's wrong with you, Fyedka?
- Just stop it. - We're just having a little fun.
Good-bye, Sasha.
I said good-bye.
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.
YeAAhh!
- Help! Help! - Tevye, what's the matter?
- Motel, Tzeitel, help! - Wake up! What is the matter with you?
Will you wake up! Shh!
- Where is she? - Where-where? Who?
- Where is who? What are you talking about? - Where is she?
Fruma Sarah. Fruma Sarah, Lazar Wolf's first wife.
She was standing here a minute ago.
- Where is she? - What are you talking about?
Fruma Sarah's has been dead for years. Sha!
- Yes, yes. - You must have been dreaming.
- Sha. - Yes.
Now
tell me what you dreamt
- and I'll tell you what it meant. - Ooo
- 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?
Well, for a woman who's dead 30 years
she looked very good.
Naturally, I went up to greet her.
d A blessing on your head. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d To see a daughter wed. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d And such a son-in-law Like no one ever saw d
d the tailor Motel Kamzoil. d
d Motel?!? d
d A worthy boy is he. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d Of pious family. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d They named him after my d
d dear Uncle Mordechai. d
d The tailor Motel Kamzoil. d
Tailor? She must have heard wrong.
- She meant the butcher. - I'll tell her.
d You must have heard wrong, Grandma, d
d there's no tailor. d
Huh?
d You mean the butcher, Grandma, d
d by the name of Lazar Wolf. d
d No, no, no. I mean the tailor, Tevye, d
d my great-grandchild. d
d My little Tzeitel who you named for me d
d Motel's bride was meant to be. d
d For such a match I prayed. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d In heaven it was made. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d A fine upstanding boy d
d a comfort and a joy. d
d The tailor Motel Kamzoil. d
- Stop it! - We announced it already!
We made a bargain with the butcher.
d A blessing on your house. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d Imagine such a spouse. d
d Mazel tov, mazel tov. d
d And such a son-in-law like no one ever saw d
d the tailor Motel Kamzoil. d - Stop them!
- But he's a butcher! d - The tailor Motel Kamzoil. d
His name is Lazar Wolf! dThe tailor Motel Kamzo d
d Sha! Sha! d
d - Look. - Who is this. d
d - Who comes here. - Who? Who? Who? Who? Who? d
Uh!
d What woman is this by righteous anger shaken. d
d - Could it be. - Sure. d
d - Yes, it could. - Why not. d
d Who could be mistaken. d
d It's the butcher's wife come from beyond the grave. d
- Who is she? - Ohh,
d It's the butcher's dear darling, departed wife. d
d Fruma Sarah. d
d Fruma Sarah! Fruma Sarah! Fruma Sarah! Fruma Sarah! d
d Tevye! d
d What is this about your daughter marrying my husband. d
d Yes, her husband! d
d Would you do this to your friend and neighbor, Fruma Sarah. d
d Fruma Sarah! d
d Have you no consideration for a woman's feelings. d
d Woman's feelings d
d Handing over my belongings to a total stranger. d
d Total stranger d
d How can you allow it how, can you let your daughter take my place. d
d Live in my house, carry my keys. d
d And wear my clothes, pearls. How? d
d How can you allow your daughter to take her place. d
d - Pearls. - House. d
d - Pearls. - Keys. d
d - Pearls. - Clothes. d
d - Pearls - How? d
d Tevye! d
d Such a learned man as Tevye wouldn't let it happen. d
d Let it happen! d
d Tell me that it isn't true and then I wouldn't worry. d
d Wouldn't worry d
d Say you didn't give your blessing to your daughter's marriage. d
d Daughter's marriage d
d Let me tell you what would follow such a fatal wedding. d
d Fatal wedding d
d Sha! d
d If Tzeitel marries Lazar Wolf d
d I pity them both. d
d She'll live with him three weeks. d
d And when three weeks are up d
d I'll come to her by night d
d I'll take her by the throat d
d and this I'll give your Tzeitel d
d That I'll give your Tzeitel! This I'll give your Tzeitel! Ah-ha-ha ha! d
Aah ha-ha ha!
Whoa-ha-ha!
Don't stop Golde!
Aaagh!
Jump!
d Here's my wedding present d
d if she marries Lazar Wo~o~olf d
Evil spirit, away!
Such an evil spirit.
May it sink back into the earth. (Tup'-Tup')
Such a dark and horrible dream.
And to think it was brought on
because you went to see that butcher.
Tevye
Tevye My grandmother Tzeitel, may she rest in peace(Tup'-Tup')
took the trouble to come all the way from the other world
to tell us about the tailor.
All I can say is that it's for the best
and couldn't possibly be any better.
- But, Golde - Amen.
Amen.
Cu-cu-cooo!
Do you like these troublemakers?
- These Christ killers? - Of course not.
I just meant that things have been peaceful here.
I have other villages to visit.
If you don't want to follow orders, we shall get someone else who will.
Oh, no, no, no. No, sir.
I'll take care of it, of course.
Quiet down! Quiet down!
Quiet down!
d Is this the little girl d
d I carried. d
d Is this the little boy at play d
d I don't remember growing older. d
d When did they. d
d When did she get to be. d
d A beauty. d
d When did he grow to be so tall. d
d Wasn't it yesterday. d
d When they were small. d
d Sunrise, sunset. d
d Sunrise, sunset d
d Swiftly flow the days. d
d Seedlings turn overnight. d
d To sunflowers. d
d Blossoming even as we gaze. d
d Sunrise, sunset d
d Swiftly fly the years. d
d One season following. d
d Another. d
d Laden with happiness. d
d And tears. d
d What words of wisdom. d
d Can I give them. d
d How can I help to ease their way. d
d Now they must learn. d
d From one another. d
d Day by day. d
d They look so natural. d
d Together. d
d Just like two newlyweds should be. d
d Is there a canopy in store. d
d For me. d
d Sunrise, sunset d
d Swiftly fly the years d
d One season following another d
d Laden with happiness d
d And tears d
Mazel tov!
Quiet down! Quiet down!
Quiet down!
That was really beautiful.
Take your places, everybody.
Quiet! Quiet down!
Quiet down!
Haa!
The newlyweds.
Friends
we are gathered here to share in the joys
of the newlyweds, Motel and Tzeitel.
May they live together to a ripe old age. Amen!
And now I want to say
Reb Nachum!
Please! Not here!
Now I'd like to announce that the bride's parents
are giving the newlyweds the following:
A new feather bed
two pillows
Goose pillows.
A Sabbath tablecloth
and a pair of candlesticks.
Quiet!
Now, we are just here on earth for a short visit.
Even the great and wealthy must die.
In fact, if the rich could hire others to die for them
we, the poor, would all make a nice living.
Well put! Well put!
Lazar Wolf. Talking about the rich.
There sits our good friend Lazar Wolf.
Lazar has everything in the world
except a bride.
But Lazar has no ill feelings.
In fact, he has a gift for the newlyweds
that he himself wants to announce.
Come on, Lazar. Come on!
Just like he said
I have no ill feelings.
What's done is done.
I am giving the newlyweds five chickens
one for each of the first five Sabbaths
their er wedded life.
Reb Lazar Wolf, you are a decent man
and on behalf of my daughter
and her new husband
I accept your gift.
- There is a famous saying that - Reb Tevye,
I am not marrying your daughter.
I don't have to listen to your sayings.
- Why if you would only listen for one moment - Why should I listen to you?
A man who breaks an agreement I have a right to talk!
What right? It's not your wedding.
It should have been!
But it's not, thank goodness.
- Don't shame Tevye - He shamed me
in front of the whole village.
He shamed me!
Shaaa!
Rabbi, say something.
I say
Yeah.
I say let's sit down.
Yes. Well, we all heard the words of the rabbi.
Let's sit down.
Now I'm going to sing a little song.
Mmm.
d Dai-dai dai deedle deedle dai-dai d
d Dai-dai dai d
I don't want that. Leave me alone.
d Dai-dai dai deedle deedle dai-dai d
You can keep your diseased chickens!
You leave my chickens out of this!
- We made a bargain! - The terms weren't settled!
We drank on it!
Just sit down, all right?
Once a butcher, always a butcher.
- Once a liar, always a liar. - You just sit down, all right?
Those happen to be my chickens. That man
I had a sign!
Quiet, I'm singing. d Dai-dai dai d
Quiet, quiet!
What's all the screaming about?
"They drank on it." "An agreement."
"A sign." It's all nonsense.
Tzeitel wanted to marry Motel and not Lazar.
A young girl decides for herself?
Why not? They love each other.
- Love? - Terrible.
- He's a radical. - Musicians, play.
It's a dance. Everybody dance.
- It's a wedding! - Some wedding.
- What is he doing? - Perchik!
Who will dance with me?
- That's a sin. - It's no sin to dance at a wedding.
- But with a girl? - Yes, with a girl!
That's what comes of taking a wild man into your house.
He's not a wild man!
His ideas are a little bit different, but Perchik
- Come on. - It's a sin.
It's no sin. Ask the rabbi.
Go on, ask him.
Well, rabbi?
Dancing?
- It's not exactly forbidden, but - Well, there you see!
- It's not forbidden! - And it's no sin.
Now, who will dance with me?
He's asking her to dance!
Hodel!
It's only a dance, Mama.
Play!
Say something.
She's dancing with a man!
I can see that she's dancing with a man!
And I'm going to dance with my wife!
Mama, no!
Golde.
GOLDE!
- No, I will not. - Tzeitel!
Motel.
See that? You are responsible for that
and I can't stand it!
I tried my best!
Everybody dance!
Come on! Dance, rabbi, dance!
Hay!
Yeahh!
Perchik!
All right! Enough!
I said enough! Come!
Orders are orders, you understand?
Well
why are you all standing around?
Clean up!
d Tradition. d
d Tradition d
Troubles, troubles.
That's all you hear from me, right?
But who else can we simple people
take our troubles to?
You know, sometimes I wonder.
Who do you take your troubles to?
Uhh! Go away.
Anyway, Motel and Tzeitel have been married for some time now.
They work very hard.
And they're as poor as squirrels in winter.
But they're so happy they don't know how miserable they are.
Motel keeps talking about a sewing machine.
I know. You are very busy now.
Wars, revolutions, floods, plagues
all those little things that bring people back to you.
But couldn't you take a second and get him his sewing machine?
Yeah, and while you are in the neighbourhood
as you can see, my horse's leg is
Am I bothering you too much?
I'm sorry. I'm sorry.
As the Good Book says
Why should I tell you what the Good Book says?
So you must go away?
Yes.
So soon?
Yes.
Tomorrow morning.
- A-a-alone? - No. With a few friends.
And of course we'll be joining others.
- Where? - In the city Kiev.
Hodel, there are some things I cannot tell even you.
I see.
Please don't be upset.
Why should I be upset? If you must leave, you must.
I do have to.
So you've told me.
Great changes are about to take place in this country.
Tremendous changes.
But they can't happen by themselves.
So naturly you feel that you personally
Not only me! Many people!
Jews, Gentiles many people hate what's going on. Don't you understand?
I understand, of course.
You want to leave.
Then good-bye.
Hodel, listen to me!
I have work to do.
The greatest work a man can do.
Don't you understand?
Yes, Perchik.
Hodel! Hodel!
Hodel, wait!
Hodel, there's a question
A certain question I-I wish to discuss with you.
- Yes? - It's a political question.
- What is it? - The question of marriage.
Is this a political question?
Well, yes.
Yes, everything's political.
Like everything else, the relationship between a man and a woman
has a socioeconomic base.
Marriage must be founded on mutual beliefs.
A common attitude and philosophy towards society.
And affection?
Well, yes. Of course.
Th-That is also necessary.
Such a relationship can have positive social values.
When two people face the world with unity and solidarity
And affection!
Yes, that is an important element!
At any rate, I
I personally am in favor of such a socioeconomic relationship.
I think
you're asking me to marry you.
Well a'
in a theoretical sense.
Yes, I am.
I was hoping you were.
I'm very happy, Hodel.
I'm very, very happy.
- Good afternoon. - Good afternoon, Reb Tevye.
I have some bad news.
- What? - I must leave here.
- When? - Tomorrow morning.
I'm sorry to hear that.
- We'll all miss you. - But I also have some good news.
- Good. - You can congratulate me.
- Congratulations. What for? - We are engaged.
- Engaged? - Yes, Papa. We're engaged.
No, you're not.
I know. You like him, and he likes you.
But you're going away, and you're staying here.
So have a nice trip. I hope you'll be happy.
- And my answer is no! - Please, Papa. You don't understand.
I understand.
I gave permission to Motel and Tzeitel, so you feel you also have a right.
I'm sorry. I like you.
But you're going away. So go in good health.
- And my answer is still no! - You don't understand.
And you are not listening. I said no!
Reb Tevye, we're not asking for your permission.
Only for your blessing.
We are going to get married.
Well,
you are not asking for my permission?
But we would like your blessing, Papa.
d I can't believe my own ears. d
d My blessing? For what? d
d For going over my head. d
d Impossible. d
d At least with Tzeitel and Motel. d
d They asked me They begged me. d
d But now, if I like it or not. d
d You'll marry him. d
d What do you want from me. d
d Go on Be wed. d
d And tear out my beard and uncover my head. d
d Tradition. d
d And not even asking permission. d
d From the papa. d
d What's happening to the tradition. d
d One little time I pulled out a thread. d
d And where has it led? Where has it led? d
Where has it led? To this!
A man tells me he's getting married!
He doesn't ask me. He tells me!
But first he abandons you.
He's not abandoning me!
As soon as I can, I'll send for her and marry her.
I love her.
He loves her.
Love.
It's a new style.
On the other hand
our old ways were once new, weren't they?
On the other hand, they decided without parents
without the matchmaker!
One the other hand
did Adam and Eve have a matchmaker?
Yes, they did.
And it seems these two have the same matchmaker.
d They're going over my head. d
d Unheard of. Absurd! d
d For this, they want to be blessed. d
d Unthinkable d
d I'll lock her up in her room d
d I couldn't I should. d
d But look at my daughter's eyes. d
d She loves him. d
Tradition.
Well, children. I've decided to give you my blessing and my permission!
Oh, thank you, Papa!
- What else could I do? - Thank you, Papa.
Thank you, Papa? Thank you, Papa?
What am I going to tell your mother?
Another dream?
Perhaps if you tell her
that I'm going to visit a rich uncle!
Perchik, please! I can handle my own wife!
Golde!
Gold
Mm?
- Hello, Golde. - Have some soup.
Golde,
I have something very important to tell you.
Have the soup.
It's warm.
Golde.
I've just met er Perchik and Hodel.
Well?
Well
Well, er
Well, they seem to be very fond of each other.
So? What do you mean?
So
So, I've decided to give them my permission to become engaged.
- I'll eat later - What?
Just like that? Without even asking me?
Who asks you?
I'm the father!
Who is he?!? A pauper. He has nothing, absolutely nothing.
I wouldn't say that!
I hear he has a rich uncle.
Hmm. A rich uncle!
Golde
Golde, he's a good man.
I like him. He's a little crazy, but I like him.
And er what's more important,
Hodel likes him.
Hodel loves him.
So what can we do?
It's a new world, Golde.
A new world.
Love.
Golde
d Do you love me. d
- Do I what? - Ssh!
d Do you love me? d
d Do I love you? d
d Well? d
d With our daughters getting married and this trouble in the town. d
d You're upset, you're worn-out. Go inside, go lie down. d
Maybe it's indigestion.
No, Golde. I'm asking you a question.
d Do you love me? d
- You're a fool! - I know.
d But do you love me? d
d - Do I love you? d - Well?
d For 25 years I've washed your clothes. d
d Cooked your meals cleaned your house. d
d Given you children milked your cow. d
d After 25 years why talk about love right now? d
Golde
d The first time I met you was on our wedding day. d
d - I was scared. d d - I was shy. d
d - I was nervous. d d - So was I. d
d But my father and my mother said we'd learn to love each other. d
d And now I'm asking Golde. d
d Do you love me? d
d - I'm your wife. d d - I know! d
d But do you love me? d
d - Do I love him. d - Well?
d For 25 years I've lived with him. d
d Fought with him, starved with him. d
- d Twenty-five years my bed is his. d - Shh!
d If that's not love, what is. d
d Then you love me! d
d I suppose I do. d
d And I suppose I love you too. d
d It doesn't change a thing. d
d But even so. d
d After 25 years. d
d It's nice to d
d Know. d
d Halt! d
There is no authority above the will of the people.
And we are the people!
We are Russia!
The time has come, and the time is now.
We stand here before you, not one, but many.
Many, like you students, workers
striving for a better life.
And I urge you, fellow workers
to band together with us.
Join our movement. In the factories!
In the schools! In the army!
The winds of freedom
are beginning to blow all over Russia!
d Halt. d
Sabli
vodit!
Wait! Wait! Stand! Wait!
Wate!
Wait, fellow workers! Don't let them break up our meeting!
We have our rights! We have our rights!
Run!
- So I found a girl - Good day to you, Esther.
She didn't like her. Just a minute.
Tzeitel, Tzeitel!
- Good day, Yente. - Tzeitel!
I happened to stop in the post office today to say hello see what's what.
It doesn't cost anything to be friendly.
Ah, so few people are like that.
People, huh! I tell you, Tzeitel, if God lived on earth,
people would break his windows.
- So you went to the post office? - Yes, and the postman told me
there was a letter there for your sister Hodel.
- Thanks. I'll go get it. - I got it.
It's from her intended, Perchik.
Hodel will be so happy. She's been waiting to hear from him for
- But it's opened. - So it happened to be opened.
You don't have to wait for the train, Papa.
You'll be late for your customers.
It's all right.
They'll just have to wait for a while.
Is he in bad trouble
that hero of yours?
Arrested?
- Convicted? - Yes. But he did nothing wrong.
He cares nothing for himself.
Everything he does is for other people.
Yes, but if he did nothing wrong, he wouldn't be in trouble.
Oh, Papa. How can you say that?
What wrongs did Joseph do?
And Abraham? And Moses?
And they had troubles.
Yes, but.
But why won't you tell me
where he is now, this Joseph of yours?
It is far, Papa.
Terribly far.
He is in a settlement in Siberia.
Siberia?
And he asks you to leave your father and mother
and join him in that frozen wasteland
and marry him there?
No, Papa.
He did not ask me to go.
I want to go.
I don't want him to be alone.
I want to help him in his work.
Hodel
Papa
d How can I hope to make you understand. d
d Why I do. d
d What I do. d
d Why I must travel to a distant land. d
d Far from the home I love. d
d Once I was happily content to be. d
d As I was. d
d Where I was. d
d Close to the people who are close to me. d
d Here in the home I love. d
d Who could see that a man would come. d
d Who would change the shape of my dreams. d
d Helpless now I stand with him. d
d Watching. d
d Older dreams grow dim. d
d Oh, what a melancholy choice this is. d
d Wanting home. d
d Wanting him. d
d Closing my heart to every hope but his. d
d Leaving the home I love. d
d There where my heart has settled long ago d
d I must go. d
d I must go d
d go d
d Who could imagine d
d I'd be wandering so. d
d Far from the home I love. d
d Yet. d
d There with my love d
d I'm d
d home. d
And who, my child will there be
to perform a marriage
there in the wilderness?
Papa, I promise you.
We will be married under a canopy.
Yes.
No doubt, a rabbi or two
were also arrested.
Papa!
God alone knows when we shall see each other again.
Then we will leave it in his hands.
Take care of her.
See that she dresses warm.
Even though she only burned his cooking
he's permitted to divorce her!
- Just for supper? - That's what it says.
- I'm sorry, Rabbi - Yes, of course.
What news of the outside world, Avram?
- Oh, it's terrible Rabbi, terrible! - Then don't tell me!
If I want bad news, I'll read about Noah and the flood.
Tell me, Avram.
Surely somewhere there are good things happening?
Can't you buy a paper that prints those things?
It's not my fault, Rabbi, I only read it.
- Rabbi! Rabbi! Did you hear the news? - More bad news?
No! Good news! At Motel and Tzeitel's! A new arrival!
A new arrival at Motel's and Tzeitel's!
Mazel tov!
We just heard the good news! Mazel tov!
Ah, thank you, thank you very much.
- It's a nice thing. - Yes, it is.
- Very nice. - Thank you.
- What is it? - It's a sewing machine!
It can work twice as fast.
You got it!
I got it!
- It's beautiful. - I know.
- Have you tried it yet? - Look!
- Beautiful! - I know!
And in less than a minute! See how close and even the stitches are?
- It's beautiful! - I know!
From now on my clothes will be perfect!
Made by machine! No more handmade clothes!
Look, Mama! Look.
Oooh!
It's wonderful!
Mazel tov, Motel!
The rabbi! The rabbi! The rabbi!
Rabbi, is there a blessing for a sewing machine?
There is a blessing for everything.
_¦_
Amen.
That's your new arrival? What is it, a boy or a girl?
Well put, well put.
Yankela. Yankela!
Aaah!
Why Why isn't he asleep?
Oh, Mama. But he's wonderful!
He never cries or any
Sha! Do you want to invite bad luck?
Aaah!
Ohh, well. Well, Motel.
I never thought you'd amount to anything.
But look at you! A baby, a new sewing machine.
You're a person.
- I'll show you how it works. - Go, children!
First you put the cloth in, like this.
It's an amazing thing. You work it with your foot and your hand.
Your father is coming.
Chava, let me talk to him. Let me tell him about us.
No, Fyedka. That would be the worst thing.
- But let me try! - No!
I'll talk to him. I promise.
Good afternoon, sir.
Good afternoon.
It's It's a cold day, isn't it?
Mmm.
Well, er
Good day, sir.
- Good day, Chava. - Good day.
What were you and he talking about?
Nothing. We were just talking.
Good.
Papa!
Fyedka and I We've known each other for a long time now.
Chaveleh
I would be much happier
if you would remain friends from a distance.
You must not forget who you are
and who that man is.
- He has a name, Papa. - Of course.
All creatures on Earth have a name.
Fyedka's not a creature, Papa.
- Fyedka is a man! - Who says he isn't?
It's just that he's a different kind of man.
As the Good Book says
"Each shall seek his own kind."
In other words, a bird may love a fish
but where would they build a home together?
- The world is changing, Papa! - No, Chaveleh.
No.
Some things do not change for us.
Some things will never change.
We don't feel that way.
"We"?
Fyedka and I. We want to be married.
What? Are you out of your mind?
What?
Don't you understand what that means, marrying outside of the faith?
- But, Papa! - No!
I said no!
Never talk about it again.
Never mention his name again.
Never see him again.
Never
Do you understand me?
Yes, Papa.
I understand you.
You're finally here. Let's go home, it's late for supper.
I want to see Motel's new machine.
You'll see it another time, it's getting late.
Quiet, woman, before I get angry!
Because when I'm angry, even flies don't dare to fly!
I'm very frightened of you. After we finish supper I'll faint.
Golde!
I am the man in the house!
I'm the head of the family!
And I Want To See Motel's New Machine Now!
Now let's go home!
What are you doing here? What do you want?
May I see His Honor the Priest?
- The Reverend Father? - Yes.
Why do you want to see him?
It's a family matter.
A personal matter.
- My daughter. - Yes? What about your daughter?
Please, if I could speak with the pr
If I could speak with the Reverend Father.
Please!
Wait here.
Tevye!
What is it?
It's Chava.
She left home this morning
with Fyedka.
What?
I've looked everywhere for her.
I even went to the priest.
He told me they were married.
Married?
Yes.
Well
go home, Golde.
We have other children at home.
You have work to do. I have work to do.
- Go home. - But Chaveleh!
Chava is dead to us!
We'll forget her.
Go home.
Go home, Golde.
d Little bird. d
d Little Chaveleh d
d I don't understand what's happening today. d
d Everything is all a blur. d
d All I can see is a happy child. d
d The sweet little bird you were Chaveleh. d
d Chaveleh d
d Little bird. d
d Little Chaveleh. d
d You were always such a pretty little thing. d
d Everybody's favorite child. d
d Gentle and kind and affectionate. d
d What a sweet little bird you were Chaveleh. d
d Chaveleh d
Papa.
Papa!
Papa, I've been looking everywhere for you.
Papa, stop!
At least listen to me.
Papa!
I beg you to accept us!
Accept them?
How can I accept them?
Can I deny everything I believe in?
On the other hand
can I deny my own daughter?
On the other hand
how can I turn my back on my faith?
My people?
If I try and bend that far
I'll break.
On the other hand
No!
There is no other hand!
No, Chava! No!
- But, Papa - No! No!
Papa!
No.
Papa!
Golde, here they are! The boys I told you about!
Wonderful boys, Golde.
From good families! Each of them a prize, a jewel!
You couldn't do better for your girls.
I don't know, Yente. MyMy girls are still so young.
So what do they look like? Grandfathers?
True, the marriage can wait.
But meanwhile their future will be all signed and sealed!
Which one for which one?
What's the difference? Take your pick.
They're both wonderful boys!
Yankel, the fat one, is apprenticed to a carpenter.
- I'm Yankel. - Did I ask you?
- Yankel, the skinny one, is - Mama, is Reb Tevye in the house?
He's in the barn. Is there trouble?
Stay inside, children.
What is it? What's the matter?
Tevye! Tevye! Have you seen the Constable lately?
- No. Why? - There's some rumors in town.
We thought since you knew him so well
maybe he told you what is true and what is not.
Rumors? What rumors?
Quiet! Talk, Avram.
Someone from Zolodin said an edict was issued in St. Petersburg that
Welcome, Your Honor.
- What's the good news in the world? - I see that you have company.
They are my friends.
It's just as well.
What I have to say is for their ears also.
How much time do you need to sell your house and household goods?
Why should I sell my house?
Is it in anybody's way?
I came to tell you you have to leave Anatevka.
And how did I come to deserve such an honor?
Not just you. But all of you.
What? What do you mean?
Stop it! Stop it!
At first I thought you might be spared Tevye,
because of the marriage of your daughter.
My daughter is dead.
I understand.
At any rate, it affects all of you. You all have to leave.
But But this corner of the world
has always been our home.
Why should we leave?
I don't know why. There's trouble in the world! Troublemakers!
- Like us? - You aren't the only ones.
Your people must leave all the villages: Zolodin, Rabalevka
The entire district must be emptied!
I have an order here!
It says that you must sell your homes and be out of here in three days.
It says in three days! It's impossible!
The children!
And you!
You who have known us all your life
you'd carry out this order?
I've nothing to do with it! Don't you understand?
I wish you wouldn't say "me"!
I understand.
Suppose we refuse to go?
You will be forced out!
- We will defend ourselves. - We'll stay in our homes.
- We won't move! - We'll keep our land!
- Fight! - Against our militia? Our army?
- I wouldn't advise that! - I have some advice for you.
Get off my land.
This is still my home
my land.
Get off my land.
You have three days!
After a lifetime,
a piece of paper, and get thee out.
Let's get together with the people of Zolodin.
- Maybe they have a plan. - We should defend ourselves!
An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth!
Very good. That way the whole world will be blind and toothless.
Rabbi
we've been waiting for the Messiah all our lives.
Wouldn't this be a good time for him to come?
We'll have to wait for him someplace else.
Meanwhile, let's start packing.
Well, Anatevka hasn't exactly been the Garden of Eden.
That's true.
After all, what have we got here?
d A little bit of this. d
d A little bit of that. d
- A pot. - A pan.
- A broom. - A hat.
Someone should have set a match to this place years ago.
- A bench. - A tree.
- What's a house. - Or a stove.
People who pass through Anatevka don't even know they've been here.
A stick of wood.
A piece of cloth.
d What do we leave. d
d Nothing much. d
d Only Anatevka. d
d Anatevka. d
d Underfed, overworked. d
d Anatevka. d
d Where else would Sabbath d
d be so sweet. d
d Anatevka. d
d Intimate, obstinate. d
d Anatevka. d
d Where I know d
d everyone I meet. d
d Soon I'll be a stranger d
d in a strange, new place. d
d Searching for d
d an old familiar face d
d from Anatevka. d
d I belong in Anatevka. d
d Tumbledown, workaday. d
d Anatevka. d
d Dear little village d
d little town d
d of d
d mine. d
It's just a place.
Our forefathers have been forced out of many many places at a moment's notice.
Maybe that's why
we always wear our hats.
Golde!
Golde, darling!
I had to see you before I left.
Because I have such news for you.
You remember, Golde, yesterday I told you I didn't know where to go,
what do to with these old bones?
Now I know. You wanna hear? I'll tell you.
All my life I've dreamed of going to one place.
Guess where? Nah, you'll never guess.
Every year at Passover, what do we say?
"Next year in Jerusalem."
"Next year in the Holy Land."
You're going to the Holy Land!
You guessed.
Good-bye, Yente.
Be well
and go in peace.
Yeah. And so, goodbye, Golde.
And sometime maybe we'll meet on a happier occasion.
Meanwhile, we suffer. Oh-ho-hoh, we suffer.
We suffer in silence. Right? Of course, right.
Where are you going?
You don't know where you're going?
Come, Golde. We have to leave.
Leave. It sounds so easy.
Golde, we'll all be together soon.
Motel, Tzeitel and the baby they'll come too.
You'll see. This Motel is a person.
And Hodel and Perchik? When will we ever see them again?
Do they visit us from Siberia every Sabbath?
You know what she writes.
He sits in prison. She works.
But soon he'll be set free.
And together they'll turn the world upside-down.
She couldn't be happier.
And the other children will be with us.
Not all.
All!
Come, Golde.
I have to clean up. Sweep the floor.
Sweep the floor?
I don't want to leave a dirty house!
Tevye!
Tevye,
I'm on my way.
Where are you going?
Chicago, in America.
Chicago, America?
We are going to New York, America.
We'll be neighbors.
My wife, Fruma Sarah, may she rest in peace, has a brother there.
- That's nice. - I hate him!
But
a relative is a relative.
- Goodbye, Tevye. - Good-bye, Lazar Wolf.
Well, my old friends. It's time to say good-bye.
The farmer Busenko will be coming for you later.
He's not a bad sort.
If you are good to him, he'll be good to you.
Take care of your leg, huh?
Thanks for everything.
Chava!
- Papa will see you. - I want him to.
I want to say good-bye to him.
- He won't listen to you. - But at least he will hear.
Maybe it would be better if I told Mama.
Chaveleh!
Papa?
Papa,
We came to say good-bye.
We're also leaving this place.
We're going to Krakow.
We cannot stay among people who do such things to others.
We wanted you to know that.
Some are driven away by edicts
others, by silence.
Good-bye, Papa.
Mama.
Come, Chava.
Good-bye, Chava, Fyedka!
And God be with you.
We will write to you in America if you like.
We will be staying with Uncle Avram!
Yes, Mama!
"We'll be staying with Uncle Avram"!
"We'll be staying with Uncle Avram?"
The whole world has to know our business!
Stop yelling, and finish packing!
We have a long way to go!
Golde, I don't need your advice!
Tzeitel, don't forget the baby!
Good-bye, Papa.
Work hard, Motel.
And come to us soon.
I will, Papa.
I'll work hard.
All right, children
let's go.