Tony Awards ：Fiddler on the Roof " If I Were a Rich Man "

[tigerbait134]

zero and topol made fiddler on the roof

[4thekidsTV]

Zero's performance from"Fiddler On The Roof"is from one of the anniversary broadcasts of"The Tony Awards".

[estanford826]

I was fortunate enough to see Zero in "Fiddler..." years ago - Oy! What an entertainer!

[yanie327]

@estanford826 I saw him in one of his last performances of Tevye in Detroit not long before he passed away. He was electrifying!

[estanford826]

this is a very entertaining exercise in creative visualization : )

[genia106]

ZERO was the BEST TEVYE.......

[alika207]

I know there are lots of people who will hate me for saying this, but even though Zero Mostel originated this role, Topol is it for me. That's probably because I've seen the movie 3 times so far. I think I'm a Topol purist. Anyone else?

[genia106]

@alika207

My mother saw Zero on Bway, there is no one like ZERO... she said he ELECTRIFIED  the stage.

The movie cannot compare to live theater.....I saw Alfred Molina...the stage sets were like a Chagall painting.........it was GLORIOUS.......

[Pats59Rule]

@genia106 I saw Fiddler on Broadway right after Molina left the show. Harvey Feirstein had taken over as Tevya and I was skeptical going in, but he actually did a great job (though his voice takes a little getting used to).

Saw Topol play the role in Boston a few years later in what turned out to be his final performance. Overall, the production wasn't as good as the Broadway production but Topol was fantastic! The cast was mostly relative newcomers and Topol positively carried the show!

[genia106]

@alika207

The movie cannot compare to live theater.

I saw Alfred Molina as Tevye, the play was like a Chagall painting. I have seen the movie.

NO COMPARISON...My mother saw Zero on Bway and she said he Electrified the stage.

[amazinggarrett1]

Why is this turning into a political debate? Let's concentrate on FIDDLER & Mostel!

[chattymagpie1210]

This is my first time seeing the original and I can say WOW! Brilliant, Zero! May you rest in peace

[tomkes100douchebag]

This is one of the all time greats. And such a multiplicity of talent, the way he stood up to HUAC. So sad that not much is on film. But let's keep paying attention and he will live forever!

[artielove96]

so THIS is where gwen stefani got her melody from...

[namreg944]

@artielove96 actually a female reggae group louchie lou created the rich girl song in the early 90's and gwen just covered, but, yeah this is where louchie lou got the melody from.

[IloveBrunoheart]

He is just lovely i love it... the 5 people that disliked this doesn't know real broadway art

[loveAnrocketsForever]

haha they showed this in choir and i just started craking up! it was so facking funny!

[DFDavid21]

oh my God...look at him just go for it!!!

4:57 - HE DID IT!

[Kailoa36]

Nobody sang Tevye quite like Zero! Nobody sang it better either.

[KeelerMediaGroup]

Personally I love both versions, two very different interpretations; but its sure is hard not to laugh at all the expressions Mostel comes up with, a remarkably gifted man.

[CriticalListener]

God, Zero Mostel was wonderful. Such a talented, talented man. I agree with all commenters who like his performance better than Topol's. The movie has just come on TV 20 minutes ago; I came here to YouTube to listen to Mostel's version while I had the sound muted during Topol singing this.

[roastawk]

Sheldon Harnick said that he and Jerry Bock wrote "If I Were a Rich Man" specifically for Zero Mostel.

[hollis517]

Zero Mostel was a genius. i love the original Broadway recording best -- the film (IMHO) sucked in comparison. the last verse of this song is so wonderfully profound :)

[ajwhite98]

i love how the jewish people are hated, but in israel still go and kick the ass of anyone that gets in their way

[meanwiddlekid]

Fiddler on the Roof was the first and best Broadway show that I ever saw. The movie version was the most disappointing movie that I ever saw. Today, the movie version is largely forgotten. Yet 50 years later, Zero Mostel is still a legend, as mush for Fiddler as everything else in his career combined.

[AddsMusical]

@meanwiddlekid I agree with you about mostel, but the movie version still remains popular today, its actually kinda unfair to compare them both,

[nelsonioni]

just unbelievable! Would have loved to have seen the full show %/

[Cancerophobia]

I really like the man... but he's not really a good singer is he? o-O They clap at the start and it really didn't deserve it, in my opinion. I hate this song with a passion though, so I might just be bias..

[ohioweatherguy]

@Cancerophobia But this isn't a song that's meant to be sung pretty or even powerful. It's a character driven song that Zero performs masterfully.

[Cancerophobia]

@ohioweatherguy Oh I see, makes sense.

[sleedolfine15]

@Cancerophobia None of the songs he sang in this play requires a powerful voice,but of sense of comedy. Topol who played Tevye in the movie version had a far better voice,but was not nearly as good. I'd never seen him perform this before,but Mostel is actually much better in the sound track of his performance. This abbreviated version lacks the full force of his performance you get listening to the cd.

[earthmotherfromnj]

Topol's shimmy is simply inimitable! Both are brilliant at this role,but I do prefer Topol's interpretation. Not to disparage Mostel in any way,this is a powerful presentation.

[SukieTawdry1000]

Nathan Lane is great, but I wish Zero Mostel had been around to play "The Producers" on B'way. And what a mistake not to have cast him in the movie version of "Fiddler."

[daviddarkmaster]

Zero Mostel was thrilled when they talked about a film version!

However the director gave the role to Topol; even though Zero was promised the role already! Zero never forgave the director or the producers of the film! It was the reason he ended a 20 year friendship with one of the producers!

He took that hate with him to the grave; it was a shame he never learned to forgive them!

[fieldsfan1]

@daviddarkmaster I don't think I'd have forgiven them either, if they gave my trademark role away. I would have loved to have seen Zero in the movie. Don't get me wrong, Topol was a fine Tevye. But, if you ask me, you just can't beat Zero Mostel.

[ZAPDUNGAA]

Zero and Topol bring their own interpretations and are both equally good as Tevye. The main difference is Topol was ACTING for a movie....however ZERO was PERFORMING!......I prefer Zero..he brings more comedy to the character which is the way I remember my grandparents..that sad comedy of being persecuted in Russia and Poland...yet never losing their sense of humor..Also Zero can make you cry as well...at another part of the song...He is the first and the greatest Tevye..

[digapig123]

Lloooolllll.

[flylooper]

One of the funniest guys on Broadway....

[TheStanbabe]

I believe that this performance by Zero..is from The Anniversary broadcast of The Tony Awards from the 1970's..where the awards honored the Broadway Stage Musicals.

[TheEpitomeofDarkness]

He's completely enchanting <3



[mervrun]

Simply Magic....and timeless!!!!!

[benulike]

Thanks for posting - so very good. He seems so alive, mischievous and kind. Does anyone know if the Broadway production was ever filmed?

[makeupdoc]

Zero Mostel was pure brilliance. *wipes tears*

[roastawk]

Imagine sitting somewhere in the nose bleed seats: Zero's performance may be a bit over the top, but he has the power and stage presence to reach out and enthrall every member of the audience. This is a master at the height of his ability setting the standard by which all others will be judged.

[Digga1221]

He was...fine, I guess...Chaim Topol was the first Tevye I ever saw, though, so I'm partial to him. Personally, I think there's more life to Topol's Tevye...more believability, reality to it even. Depth, I guess is the word that would work better...and I think he's a better singer...

[Yidenia]

@Digga1221 I agree. They chose Chaim Topol because of all those points. Zero Mostel has to be credited for bringing Tevye to life, though, and also at the time Tevye was written to be more purely comical and Zero Mostel portrayed that side well. A bit plump for a poor dairyman though kekeke but details, details XD

[crazyloverhaha1]

lET'S REVIEW- JESUS IS OF BRONZE SKIN COLOR AND HE SAYS BLACK IS BACK.. WHO THE FUCK IS THAT WHITE GODLESS MOTHER FUCKER TO ARGUE WITH THE BRONZE JEWISH MESSIAH??

[kamwrites]

I'm partial to Topol. He was my first Tevye, and I admit to preferring his interpretation. But hats of to Zero, he's a delight!

[IndysBack]

1. Pause video.

2. Let video load.

3. Press play and hold 4

4. Thumbs me up.

[MrJORGERAMOS123]

I love when Zero Mostel starts singing "IF I WERE A RICH MAN"  and dancing to that part. The audience stars clapping :D

[MrJORGERAMOS123]

Zero Mostel is absolutely incredible in that part.

[pippozg]

what year of the tony awards was this?

[spazzy217]

@pippozg

judging by the year that Fiddler originated on Broadway and the fact that he looks about 50....

mid to late 60's ??

[spazzy217]

@pippozg hahah, nevermind. if you watch through to the end of the video, it says 1965... lol

[littlemakz]

Whether it's Topol or Zero, what is truly wonderful about Tevye is that Fisddler will never be Fiddler without it....

[carlmonico]

We all know that Zoro was Tevye, and was i am sure the greatest. But we also have to take our hats off to Topol. He was wonderful, as well as Harvey who brought the house down in New York.

[MoorOfDundee]

Zero...Yes, the FIRST and TRUE TEVYE...He created it!!!!

[BornInTzyon]

*applause*

[MrRuifs]

Genial ZERO:)

[zepplin85]

I think Zero would have added more comedy to the Play if he had played Tevye , He had a Great voice though...RIP, comic genius....and that's saying a lot. Not many people can claim that

[TheIfranklin9]

It's waaaay to hard to watch this; he looks like he's trying to hard to act and sing this song. There's no fluidity with his moving and his singing. I will admit he is funny, but that's about all. I like Topol's version better.

[maxnema]

@TheIfranklin9

Hi, Seen Zero do it his whole life, including opening week in '65. That was his style... it was Tevye.

Topol, unfortunately, was one of the reasons the film version flopped. Not that he was bad... his performance was in the shadow of THE Tevye, Zero.

[RS2756]

Love it :)

[DisneyChick07]

1:50 - i fell off my bed because i was laughing so hard i was crying xDD

[carlmonico]

Bravo !!!!!

[seetherage]

Fiddler on the roof was written specifically for zero Mostel ! Do some research people! The only reason he wasn't in the film was because hollywood wanted someone with more recognition for a movie.

[maxnema]

@seetherage

Topol was an unknown from Israel. The producers wanted Zero... they did not want to PAY Zero.

[seetherage]

@maxnema Are you related to him in any way?

[MrHazeZ]

if i were a swindler on the roof.

[NancyDVM]

To wnyvideo: Do you have ears and eyes? I know taste is subjective, but there are some performers who CANNOT be equaled or surpassed in their signature roles. Zero as Tevye is one of them!

[wnyvideo]

Very good, but he is not Chaim Topol, who played Tevye in the film version. Chaim Topol was incomparable in the role....

[evg129]

the eternal question, "Would it spoil some vast eternal plan, if i were a wealthy man?"

[stevevandien]

Zero Mostel was UNIQUE, and GREAT. Both adjectives are difficult to define precisely. I shall attempt to do so after I've had a decent night's sleep and three cups of coffee:) --

[psychomusicanana]

I saw this when it was still in previews in D.C. I remember the songs that were cut. I knew him, too. He often said, "if I weren't Zero Mostel I'd be locked up."

He was right!

[thx291]

I WANT THAT MONEY!!!!!

[cosmickate3]

@thx291 Look. I'm even wearing a cardboard belt!

[4freespeech]

Its amazing that Mostel, who was in great pain constantly from a leg

crushed in an accident, could bring so much JOY to a performance.

Whoever says derogatory things about Jews just doesn't know them.

They are, as a people, a great gift to the world. Maybe that is why

they have been envied and hated by those jealous of their talents.

[shatros]

@4freespeech People who experience chronic pain who do not wish to be kept doped up all the time often find things to keep them busy. It is like a form of self hypnosis. The more you work the less you think about the pain. The intensity of the work is in direct proportion to the intensity of the pain.

[ChicagoSouthDan]

@4freespeech They are the only group of people I can think of who gave up Einstein and the Marx Brothers, excelling in the fields of science and comedic entertainment.

[ChicagoSouthDan]

@ChicagoSouthDan I said "gave up" but I meant "gave us".

[Steamrunner92]

@ChicagoSouthDan Mel Brooks! Can't forget Mel Brooks!

[Steamrunner92]

@4freespeech That and the fact that, from the Crusades, to the Holocaust, and the modern-day crisis in the Middle East, they've been taking shit throughout all of human history, but do you see them making trouble for anyone else? No!

[Varghalur]

@Steamrunner92 and from a few hundred years BC, they were not very welcome in the city of Alexandria in Egypt during the time of Alexander the Great...

[theRevolutionBegin]

@Steamrunner92 To their neighbours?

[jimmymortis]

@Steamrunner92 Try looking up the Qibya massacre on wikipedia.

[corfan99]

@Steamrunner92 Good comment.

Maybe they're the example of turning the other cheek. (?)

[Whody]

i like when his fat jiggles.

[formiga1950]

Zero is speaking to GOD. No need of words. GOD knows.

[aleigha0707]

I personally think that Topol is much better. Now there's a guy who fits his role.

[KingOystar]

Mostel IS Tevye!

[zwalrus1]

LOVE HIM

[keeblergraham21]

This is great! The fun he's having is contagious.

[Pollaey]

I love it :D

[PSALM45KING]

Elul is a time of preparation. It is a time which is spoken of in Amos 4:12: "Prepare to meet your God, O Israel." It is a time of reflection and meditation; mercy and forgiveness. We need to examine our deeds and actions of the previous year. What would we do if this were, actually, the year that Yeshua was to return? How would we make ourselves right before God? Remember, Rosh Hashanah is also called Yom HaDin; it's the Day of Judgment! Blowing the Shofar continues throughout the month-Selah

[KrzyCanuck]

Personally, I prefer the Topol version to Zero Mostel: Mostel's Tevye was a braggart too big for his britches, whereas Topol's mischevious Tevye answered his own question about why he was not rich. Neither was incorrect or wrong, but Topol's Tevye is more in line with my personal view of the character.

[mikehlebik]

@KrzyCanuck i agree -- zero did too much mugging and he doesnt sing the yabba dibby dibby..right--he makes up inconsistent words and it sounds like garbage. He is a brooklyn Jew whereas Topos is more authentic to the role

[CONTESTAR]

@mikehlebik the difference between him and everybody else (and there are some fine actors out there who did the part) is that Zero IS the part. Just because you have the movie in your ears doesn't make it the Bible... Actually Zero worked with the first scriptwriters creating the role!

At the end of the day, my Israeli friends find him closer to them... Even the hadi-hadi funny text sounds more like what their fathers would do (With all respect to the wonderful Topol who is amazing in his way!)

[MariaCaIIas]

He is so on that he makes young singers look like blown up bubblegums!

[orionblaze000]

Notice the difference on how Zero and Topol sang this song differently. Topol goes " yibby dibby dibby dum" While Zero goes " Haji dabi dabi" something heheheh.. But both guys nailed the part sooo well!!!

[CrazyKennyHaHa]

Isaiah 65:8-16 yada yada yada yada skip to the main point of the passage in the last two stanzas of the verse 16- Isaiah 65:16- "Because the former troubles are forgotten, And because they are hidden from My eyes"

[Coleman976]

I'm sorry to disagree but I think Topol is better than Zero, and Theodore Bekel is tied with topol

[CONTESTAR]

@Coleman976  wanting to rate Topol and Zero... so different and wonderful in their way seems amateurish on your side.

Mentioning the third guy in the same breath with two legends, only shows that you must be from his family...

[KingOystar]

I used to think Topol was the best Tevye ever, but not now...

Zero Mostel is the man!

[HappyMadisonDude]

His Duck Sounds Are BEAST :) This song is Awesome

[laxerboy513]

epic

[fieldsfan1]

I'll never get over the fact that they passed him over for the film version of "Fiddler". Topol isn't even as good as Zero Mostel on his best day.

[chimpiki]

For a long time I had only seen Topol perform this song, and then learned of an uproar back in the day when Zero Mostel didn't get the lead in the film, and bitterness amongst fans has endeared to this day. Then when this was televised in a PBS special, I was excited to see the so-called "definitive" rendition of the song, and to be honest, I was completely underwhelmed. Maybe he laid out the groundwork, but the man holds no claim on this song for me.

[godhelpme2009]

@chimpiki , An out of context performance (at the Tony's) for an artist like Zero is no way to measure his greatness in this role. He is not the kind of trained singer who is going to re-create a spot on rendition based on the music alone. It is the depth & power to which he embodies a character & then transcends that character's rich personality into the transparencies that can exist in myths, fables, fairy tales, archetypes , etc. . He is a rare gem in these respects & well deserves the praise

[chimpiki]

@godhelpme2009 But then again, when it's there, it should be immediately there. You take a scene out of a Marlon Brando performance, and you know how great it is after no more than a few lines. I know that stage and film are two different things, but to me that same principle applies. Such performances that come to mind are Colm Wilkinson with "Bring Him Home" or Raul Esparza with "Being Alive." The latter did indeed perform that song at the Tony's, and it was his best in my opinion.

[godhelpme2009]

@chimpiki , I wouldn't disagree that it is possible for someone to give their best performance at the Tony's. For someone who was a singer/musician primarily, it may even be likely. I am saying that it is not that way for all performers. As I understand the idea "when it's there, it should immediately be there", I may agree or disagree depending on how I interpret that. As for live performance how "on" someone is can definitely vary.Some of the best performers ever could be "off" sometimes.

[Dirkdebruyne]

@chimpiki Zero Mostel was larger than life, a total theatre person, exceptional, difficult , vain , egocentric and exceptional in every way...topol was just boring, never seen him do him anything that couldn't put me to sleep in 5 minutes flat..

[CARDUELIS999]

Just reading the arguments below, and wow! The performer's origen? Zero was the finer personality , presence and singer.

[killianlock]

@CARDUELIS999 Agreed!!!

[ArmonyBros]

@exitwest I agree with your point that Topol was much more European, and very very believable. Now, that was a movie in which the extravagant detail and setting was far greater than in the play due to the hinderance of the stage space. That made Topol's performance seem even better. Zero, however, had the humor that I believe Tevye's character holds which Topol did not do as well here. They each have their pros and cons.

[stevevandien]

Mostel was the first and FINEST Tevye -- and I, believe it or not. once played this part:) --

[chimpiki]

@stevevandien Ah, but did you do it well?

[stevevandien]

@chimpiki I was an OK actor, though primarily a singer (baritone) with some classical training. So I sang the songs fairly well. Was I ever in Zero's class as a Tevye? Not even close! Mostel was unique. No great singer, and perhaps (arguably) not even an exceptional actor. Yet he was a GREAT PERFORMER, who at his best embodied and TRANSCENDED his roles. Zero had a quality that went far beyond mere technique. Sorry that I couldn't explain this more lucidly:(

[fgldnglbs]

In spite of the fact that Zero Mostel was in at least one hit movie musical, "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum," it must have been clear then as it is now that Chaim Topol had more of a physical presence for film; he was also on the West End cast album and his version of the above was a hit in the U.K.

That said, are there video performances of Zero Mostel performing other numbers from "Fidder'?" I don't care if they're in BW.

[exitwest]

Mostel's characterization was too "American." Topol made you feel as though Tevye literally walked from a time machine from 1920s Eastern Europe. He OWNED that role, which is why Norman Jewison chose him for the film.

[Chutson353]

@exitwest Topol was no more eastern European than Mostel - he just has a "foreign" accent - he was born and raised in Israel. True his parents were Polish Jews, but Mostel was also the son of Polish Jewish immigrants - they just happened go come to America instead of Israel. If you put a beard and tallis on Mostel he is just as "european" as Topol.

[exitwest]

@Chutson353 you totally missed my point. I was saying Topol's "character" was far more European than Mostel's. Mostel's Tevye was too Americanized and as a result, not as authentic feeling or as good.

[Chutson353]

@exitwest No disrespect intended - you're entitled to your opinion but I have quite a collection of Polish Yiddish films and I think Mostel's interpretation is very European. There is a sort of resignation that rings true - as opposed to Topol's exuberant, almost ferocious approach to the character.

[mikehlebik]

@exitwest My sentiments exactly

[imisstour]

what are you on about Greatest Tevye ever! you obviously haven't watched the original film. Look it up and watch Topol playing the part! There is the greatest Tevye ever!

[beathcox]

Thank you so much for this wonderful performance

[BlueCastle1971]

Absolutely perfect.

[Chrispat8]

I wondered what the movie Fidler on the Roof would be like if Zero Mostel was in it. But I'm taking the side of either Topol or Mostel because I thought they were both Wonderful Tevyes. I still love Mostel since The Producers.

[polkilosera]

Chapeu bas! Great performance. Great talent!

[Chrispat8]

Zero mostel was brilliant!!!

[jonjamg]

@Chrispat8 Only brillliant?? More!!

[Chutson353]

Thank you for posting a video with such wonderful print quality - For me this is absolute magic.

[mortysand]

Happy birthday, Zero!

[CARDUELIS999]

buffedtrainer-- You lucky, lucky, basTa!d.  Quit bragging.

[buffedtrainer]

I had the opportunity in 1964 when I was 14, to see Zero in "Fiddler" @ the Imperial Theatre, I was in NY for the Worlds Fair w/ my family. The next day we saw Carol Channing in "Hello Dolly" @ the St. James Theatre, and the following evening, we saw Barbra Striesand in "Funny Girl" @ the Winter Garden Theatre. I will never forget that week in my life. I still have the PlayBill for "Funny Girl".

[MkDMetallica]

i wish i could have at least leanred of him when he was alive

[Chutson353]

WOW!!!! - how lucky were you - Was Zero as wonderful live as he is in the videos available of him - and I'm curious if you prefer him or Topol having seen them both I assume.

[Unagodd]

@buffedtrainer Wow...that's...WHAT A WEEK.

[furrowin]

his talent is amazing ...........

[jazzfinest]

I know we have great talent today but I can't think of anyone on the stage who holds a candle to Zero.

[arock1243]

@jazzfinest agreed

[sarahsandiego2]

Topal?

[CARDUELIS999]

Where are the Giants like Zero? How we've become diminished... .

[sandinmyears]

This is my dad's favorite.

[CARDUELIS999]

When I get my Time Machine up and running, I'm seeing Zero starring in "Fiddler" on Broadway. (But first beating up Oswald at the right moment. What? I've my priorities in order.)

[RentandWicked]

Amazing is all I can say

[alphawolf26]

Ahh good ol' Zero....the ONLY true Tevye...EVER!

[exitwest]

@alphawolf26 no way - while Moztel isn't shabby, Topol is the ONLY Tevye

[godhelpme2009]

@exitwest ....are you basing this opinion on watching this YouTube video? If this is your only experience of Mostel in this role , don't bother to get too invested in your opinion b/c you have no basis to make a sound judgement.

[JooTubeTV]

@alphawolf26 There were others, Harry Goz and Herschel Bernardi being good ones, but Mostel's voice on the hi-fi brings us back to that day.

[baf9soccer]

@alphawolf26 I saw it live and I think Topol did a fine job. Just sayin'