In case you didn’t know, in the film version of “Fiddler on the Roof,” that’s Isaac Stern on the soundtrack, standing in for the titular musician. John Williams won his first Oscar for his adaptations and musical arrangements of the immortal songs of Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. Zero Mostel created the role of Tevye, but for many the role was owned by Topol. With the acclaimed film version and numerous stage revivals, he was every bit as much Tevye as Yul was the King.

In the past few years, there have been rumblings about a film remake. Why? No doubt some studio executive at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, musing as Tevye did…

Topol died this morning at 87. R.I.P.

Isaac Stern

You can really hear John Williams’ influence here

Do You Love Me?

Tradition!