, 2h52 Directed byNorman Jewison OriginUSA GenresDrama, Comedy-drama, Musical, Romance ThemesDance films, Films about music and musicians, Films about religion, Théâtre, Musical films, Films about Jews and Judaism, Films based on plays, Films based on musicals ActorsChaim Topol, Norma Crane, Leonard Frey, Molly Picon, Paul Mann, Paul Michael Glaser Roles Chava Rating79% In 1905, Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman living in the Russian village of Anatevka, explains to the audience what keeps the Jews of Anatevka going is the balance they achieve through following their ancient traditions, comparing their precarious circumstance to a fiddler on a roof: trying to scratch out a pleasant tune, while not breaking their necks. The fiddler appears throughout the film as a metaphoric reminder of the Jews' ever-present fears and danger, and also as a symbol of the traditions Tevye is trying to hold on to as his world changes around him. While in town, Tevye meets Perchik, a radical Marxist from Kiev. Tevye invites Perchik to stay with him and his family, and as a deal, offers him food, in exchange for Perchik tutoring his daughters.