This musical, based on the stories of Shalom Aleichem, takes place in pre-revolutionary Russia and centers on the life of Tevye (Topol), a milkman who is trying to keep his family's traditions in place while marrying off his three older daughters. Yet, times are changing and the daughters want to make their own matches, breaking free of many of the constricting customs required of them by Judaism. In the background of these events, Russia is on the brink of revolution and Jews are feeling increasingly unwelcome in their villages.

"Based on the stageplay Fiddler on the roof [by Joseph Stein], adapted from Sholem Aleichem stories by special arrangement with Arnold Perl"--Opening credits. "Produced on the New York stage by Harold Prince. Entire stage production directed and choreographed by Jerome Robbins"--Opening credits. Originally released as a motion picture in 1971.