One of my fondest memories of Zero is watching the Tony Awards telecast when he won for Fiddler. He got to the podium and gave his speech in Yiddish, as if speaking to God. Marvelous.
My Father took me to New York for a family reunion and somehow I got tickets for this great show. My first Broadway musical and Zero. What a gift to the world. After that I returned to New York three times a year and to this time seen every musical playing on Broadway. THANKS DAD!
@Pierre LeDouche yeah. It's hidden somewhere At Lincoln center library. There are a lot of shows that were legally filmed and kept at this library. But it's extremely hard to borrow them. I think they are reserved for broadway professionals. That's the magic and mystery of the theater.
@@JPLEYONKO4 It's actually the 1976 Broadway revival (filmed in 1977) which also started Zero Mostel. The original 1964 Broadway production was not filmed. As far as I know, most tapings at that archive (the ones listed as "restricted to qualified researches") are open to most people who give a research or academic purpose that a librarian there sees as valid. From what I've read, they don't ask for much proof most of the time. There are some tapings, however, that are only available to professionals with permission from the copyright owners of the taping (the ones listed as "permission required." I'm pretty sure most Jerome Robbins shows are listed as "permission required," including this one. This is the link to the listing of the 1977 taping of Fiddler at the New York Public Library catalog: catalog.nypl.org/search~S106?/XFiddler+on+the+Roof&searchscope=106&SORT=D/XFiddler+on+the+Roof&searchscope=106&SORT=D&SUBKEY=Fiddler+on+the+Roof/1%2C44%2C44%2CB/frameset&FF=XFiddler+on+the+Roof&searchscope=106&SORT=D&4%2C4%2C
One of my greatest memories was attending the 25th Annual Tony Awards when they brought scenes back from those 25 years--with the original stars. Zero was the only actor who did two memories. This from Fiddler and a few minutes earlier, "Comedy Tonight" from Forum. What an evening
I think it's important to remember that this clip is not from a production of Fiddler, it's a stand alone performance at the Tony Awards, so of course Mostel is playing it different, playing up the comedy, playing to the audience. Had it been in the context of the play, it probably would've been more serious, more for the stage. But as a stand-alone bit for an award show, Mostel knew to change it up and make it less serious.
As I understand it from various reports and reviews Mostel did play the role on stage in a manner very close to his performance here, as you say "playing up the comedy, playing to the audience." One of the reasons he was not picked for the movie (a travesty and a huge loss, if you ask me) is that his performance was deemed simply too big for cinema.
@@stephenmaynard7856 Ah, thank you for the info. I can see the logic in that; playing to the crowd on a stage is very different from playing to the camera on a film set. Topol's performance is so iconic, I wouldn't dare say that we would be better off if Mostel was picked instead, but I'm terribly curious to see how his performance would've differed.
I really like the interpretation here, with being so comedic (which is definitely a core part of Tevye's character), but Topol absolutely nails the "wannabe scholar" aspect perfectly, which is where a lot of Tevye's comedic aspect stems from
I'm so glad someone recorded him on video doing this song. Mostel should have been cast as Tevye in the film. Norman Jewison didn't seem to grok that Fiddler is a *comedy*. Mostel was the perfect Tevye; he had the "old country" accent right, and he conveyed the sense of humor that is so prevalent as a coping mechanism in Judaism.
First time to see this version and Zero Mostel was quite endearing although for me Topol was best in this role and his interpretation of the song was just perfect.
Zero Mostel is amazing. I’m doing the broadway show right now with my theater group, we bought the show soundtrack, as we lost our ability with an orchestra due to Coronavirus, and when we go back on in May or so, we are doing the Broadway show. We always go back to Zero Mostel videos and recordings, because he is so purely amazing. Although the show is pretty much meant to be done by adults, we do it 8-18 years old, and the talent is amazing. We got one show in before closing because of Coronavirus, and someone compared our show to this version, which just brings us joy, as we admire this whole show, and all of the work they put in it. Literally, Zero Mostel is a LEGEND.
Zero is very good and more comedic. But Topol has such heart and zest in this role. I am so glad he is on film portraying this humble man who sees so much change in the world and even within his own family.
The best version is Alfred Molina. He did it with TENTACLES and STILL pulled it off. (In all seriousness, Molina did a Broadway production of Fiddler and his version of the song is by far my favorite, and of course I can't help but love that shot from the Spider-Man 2 outtakes where Doctor Octopus played by Molina sang it.)
Zero Mostel was the original on Broadway, however I was in New York to late to see him, but I did get to watch, from high in the noisebleed section, Herschel Bernardi recreateding this wondeerful role. Then 15 years later I played the lead role in a local production in Illinois. What a challenge!
Exactly the same for me - I saw Herschel Bernardi when I was a kid. I had listened to the recording with Zero Mostel so many times, I think I was disappointed it wasn't him!
Rest in peace and birthday wishes to Zero Mostel. 2 28 After I first enjoyed A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, Mr Mostel became my introduction to Broadway the best gift a child can have. I am so grateful always
I saw Hershal Banardy do this in LA many many years ago. He was great. He did topel style. Voice was good. Stomping and body language was good. Since then I have seen various productions at civic theaters. One of my favorite plays overall.
When he drunk: if i were a rich man futdiyriyrmu5el86fyjrdiufu5dkhchcyf Me: EEE PATAPAKI PATAPAKI My friends: bruh he is like lincoln loud My cousin: *plays build a boat for treasure in roblox* *laughs* Me: ima play roblox booga booga *after playing* ima play sea's difficulty chart obby *after playing* Mum: JASSSSS WE ARE GOING SOMEWHERE Me: WHERE Mom: IM TAKING YOU TO UR DAD'S WORK THE MECHANIC SHOP Me: WAIT CAN I BRING OUR INTERNET?! Mom: YES I U WANT TO My friend Yza: awww mannnn Mom: Take Yza to her house now Me: OKKKKK Me and Yza: BYEEEE Yza: WAIT HUG Me: OK Me and Yza: *hugs*
So, don't take offense to this, because as a gamer, this is actually a great compliment. We have a figure in gaming from a game called Conker's Bad Fur Day for the Xbox called The Great Mighty Poo. He's just what he sounds like, poo, but the comedic twist to it is that once he appears, he sings in a strong, beautiful opera voice just like THIS! He sounds just LIKE him!
Topal and Mostel create a playful and familiar relationship with God...as if they talk to him all of the time. The baritone in another clip I watched had a great voice, but he seemed angry at God. His interpretation took away from this intimacy and poignant resignation that the other actors are able to create.
Do you happen to recall the name of the particular baritone that you heard? After hearing Zero’s 1964 version and Topol’s 1964 and 1971 version, I’d be interested to hear another interpretation :)
@@valerieverdi2730 yes that’s the singer, and it turns out I’ve heard his version. I agree with your stance on that version. It’s technically fantastic and all, but it’s a little too operatic to really fit in with the playful nature of klezmer music. You said it best, Topol and Zero created that playful dynamic with God, treating him as a best friend rather than an omnipresent entity.
Mr Mostels son starred in the film verison of Jesus Christ Superstar, following in his father's footsteps,wish he had done the role made famous by his father.
The difference between Zero Mostel and Chaim Topol is this, when you watch Zero you're actually watching Tevye; when you watch Topol you're actually watching Topol. Zero Mostel has the heart of Tevye, Topol has the heart of someone trying to be Tevye!
Zero Mostel wasn’t really known for his singing ability, also Mostel was 62 at the time of filming and had slowly began moving away from the stage. He disliked filming too.
@@JasonWise He wasn't in the movie because he wanted to have directorial input as well as be the star. Norman Jewison couldn't have that, so they hired an actor they knew wouldn't make problems on the set. Zero wanted a small barn. 1 cow, poverty. That's what Sholem Aleichem wrote. Small. Jewison made it big. Big barn. Lots of cows. It's very Hollywood. Not much to do with Sholem Aleichem. Zero, of course knew all the Sholem Aleichem stories. It's unclear if Jewison did. Zero wasn't a singer. He could put a song over on stage, but he never trained to be a singer and he couldn't read music, either. Zero was dead at 62, not "moving away from the stage." He liked filming if he liked the director. He made movies for pocket change. He was 56 when the movie was being made. And he was fine with Broadway and acting there. At the time of his death, he was scheduled to play in Moses und Aron at the Metropolitan Opera and to be directed, again by John Dexter. Alas it never happened.
Norman Jewison, the director, didn't want to cast Mostel because he thought the performer's larger than life personality would eclipse the character of Tevye.
The mugging is because this is a performance from the 1971 Tony Awards, so on stage Zero would’ve played Tevye in a much more serious sense. Here, because it’s independent of the original stage productions he’s able to play to the comedic elements. Plus it was actually Norman Jewison who made the decision to get Topol instead of Zero for the film :)
Huge mistake. I curse those guys forever. Zero was Tevye. I saw him on Broadway. Nobody should have had that role but him. Anyone who saw Zero was disappointed with Topol the role was built for Zero. Huge mistake. Could have had him on film preserved forever. Just like the idiots that cast Lucille ball in Mame.
One of my fondest memories of Zero is watching the Tony Awards telecast when he won for Fiddler. He got to the podium and gave his speech in Yiddish, as if speaking to God. Marvelous.
Mostel was an unrivalled genius. His version is indelibly etched in our culture.
My Father took me to New York for a family reunion and somehow I got tickets for this great show. My first Broadway musical and Zero. What a gift to the world. After that I returned to New York three times a year and to this time seen every musical playing on Broadway. THANKS DAD!
@Pierre LeDouche yeah. It's hidden somewhere At Lincoln center library. There are a lot of shows that were legally filmed and kept at this library. But it's extremely hard to borrow them. I think they are reserved for broadway professionals. That's the magic and mystery of the theater.
@@JPLEYONKO4 It's actually the 1976 Broadway revival (filmed in 1977) which also started Zero Mostel. The original 1964 Broadway production was not filmed. As far as I know, most tapings at that archive (the ones listed as "restricted to qualified researches") are open to most people who give a research or academic purpose that a librarian there sees as valid. From what I've read, they don't ask for much proof most of the time. There are some tapings, however, that are only available to professionals with permission from the copyright owners of the taping (the ones listed as "permission required." I'm pretty sure most Jerome Robbins shows are listed as "permission required," including this one. This is the link to the listing of the 1977 taping of Fiddler at the New York Public Library catalog: catalog.nypl.org/search~S106?/XFiddler+on+the+Roof&searchscope=106&SORT=D/XFiddler+on+the+Roof&searchscope=106&SORT=D&SUBKEY=Fiddler+on+the+Roof/1%2C44%2C44%2CB/frameset&FF=XFiddler+on+the+Roof&searchscope=106&SORT=D&4%2C4%2C
welcome to 2021
Somebody up there likes you 🥊🥊 !
@@evanwolf6618 I really had a life full of Wonder and just want one more trip to Broadway and then I will be ready for my "Wings".
this song never get old
One of my greatest memories was attending the 25th Annual Tony Awards when they brought scenes back from those 25 years--with the original stars. Zero was the only actor who did two memories. This from Fiddler and a few minutes earlier, "Comedy Tonight" from Forum. What an evening
I think it's important to remember that this clip is not from a production of Fiddler, it's a stand alone performance at the Tony Awards, so of course Mostel is playing it different, playing up the comedy, playing to the audience. Had it been in the context of the play, it probably would've been more serious, more for the stage. But as a stand-alone bit for an award show, Mostel knew to change it up and make it less serious.
as always Hatter, you are 5/4 correct.
I like what he did. BRAVO!!
As I understand it from various reports and reviews Mostel did play the role on stage in a manner very close to his performance here, as you say "playing up the comedy, playing to the audience." One of the reasons he was not picked for the movie (a travesty and a huge loss, if you ask me) is that his performance was deemed simply too big for cinema.
@@stephenmaynard7856 Ah, thank you for the info. I can see the logic in that; playing to the crowd on a stage is very different from playing to the camera on a film set. Topol's performance is so iconic, I wouldn't dare say that we would be better off if Mostel was picked instead, but I'm terribly curious to see how his performance would've differed.
@@stephenmaynard7856 That is my memory too. I saw him play it in NYC, and he did not hold back on the comedy. Yeah, I'm an old guy.
I really like the interpretation here, with being so comedic (which is definitely a core part of Tevye's character), but Topol absolutely nails the "wannabe scholar" aspect perfectly, which is where a lot of Tevye's comedic aspect stems from
Topol has always been The "Tevye",, but i came across Bryn Terfel singing, and that is amazing
Zero" Mostel has always been my Tevye. Topol is just a newcomer wannabe. :-)
@@stephenandersen4625 Er? what
@@stephenandersen4625 if I wer a rich man
I'm so glad someone recorded him on video doing this song. Mostel should have been cast as Tevye in the film. Norman Jewison didn't seem to grok that Fiddler is a *comedy*. Mostel was the perfect Tevye; he had the "old country" accent right, and he conveyed the sense of humor that is so prevalent as a coping mechanism in Judaism.
I found Jewison's version funny. A comedy can still have heart.
YES!!!!
I love Mostel
The movie was one long, dreary stage wait. Far too serious, and totally boring. It sorely missed Zero Mostel...and Maria Karnilova as Golde.
I caught that usage of "grok" in there. Does that means that Martian is really Yiddish?
Some people just drip with talent. He was one of them.
Anybody else that walked on a Broadway stage and did this PLAYED Tevye.
Zero WAS Tevye! Period.
Absolutely He owned this Song Forever!!!!!!!!!!
When you're trained in the Yiddish theatre.....the best!
First time to see this version and Zero Mostel was quite endearing although for me Topol was best in this role and his interpretation of the song was just perfect.
hello from 2019
Happy to stumble across this, for I never saw prior. Mostel was a special 'character' of many talents: acting, music, writing.
Zero Mostel is amazing. I’m doing the broadway show right now with my theater group, we bought the show soundtrack, as we lost our ability with an orchestra due to Coronavirus, and when we go back on in May or so, we are doing the Broadway show. We always go back to Zero Mostel videos and recordings, because he is so purely amazing. Although the show is pretty much meant to be done by adults, we do it 8-18 years old, and the talent is amazing. We got one show in before closing because of Coronavirus, and someone compared our show to this version, which just brings us joy, as we admire this whole show, and all of the work they put in it. Literally, Zero Mostel is a LEGEND.
RIP your musical :(
JCTheFluteMan YEAH OH MY GOD AH. The strange thing is, my director is still holding on to it for next season of shows. 😂
Will you be using the orchestra when you return? I hope so? Might already have past?
@@TheMaestroCraig We didn’t end up using it again. The venue we used didn’t have a pit.
@@0.0ahh
Sorry , but , your grammar is atrocious.
Though , it's not to late .
There is so much joy in the way he performs.....born for the stage indeed.......
Zero is very good and more comedic. But Topol has such heart and zest in this role. I am so glad he is on film portraying this humble man who sees so much change in the world and even within his own family.
Zero has heart in this.. its more subtle and covered by humor.
Im in awe. So good. Nobody has ever done this piece better.
I love how the set slams into position at the beginning
The best version is Alfred Molina. He did it with TENTACLES and STILL pulled it off. (In all seriousness, Molina did a Broadway production of Fiddler and his version of the song is by far my favorite, and of course I can't help but love that shot from the Spider-Man 2 outtakes where Doctor Octopus played by Molina sang it.)
Zero Mostel was the original on Broadway, however I was in New York to late to see him, but I did get to watch, from high in the noisebleed section, Herschel Bernardi recreateding this wondeerful role. Then 15 years later I played the lead role in a local production in Illinois. What a challenge!
Exactly the same for me - I saw Herschel Bernardi when I was a kid. I had listened to the recording with Zero Mostel so many times, I think I was disappointed it wasn't him!
The pain and joy of being a Jew throughout history can be seen in Zero Mostel's performances.
...from Tevya to Pseudolus to Max Bialystok...what a range!!!
Rest in peace and birthday wishes to Zero Mostel. 2 28 After I first enjoyed A funny thing happened on the way to the forum, Mr Mostel became my introduction to Broadway the best gift a child can have. I am so grateful always
I love this version!
I love classic theater musical acting
My favorite version 😊
Those arm shakes are epic 😋🤣🤣
Am watching this nice video again. Inspiring!!!
Zero is still the very best Tevye I've ever seen.
The definitive Tevye on the best Tony Award Show ever
Beautiful presentation 🙏
Zero Mostel is the Broadway musical theater!
Love this so much!
I love Topol as Tevye, but Zero was perfect.
nah
I like this it's upbeat ^_^ and the original
I was in New York in the late 70's and we were going to see zero mostel in Fiddler but it was sat and he didn't work on Sabbath.
When I played Tevie I based my performance on Zero
I saw Hershal Banardy do this in LA many many years ago. He was great. He did topel style. Voice was good. Stomping and body language was good. Since then I have seen various productions at civic theaters. One of my favorite plays overall.
Sorry. BERNARDY.
He does it best!
Zero Mostel Is the whole package, believe it! He brings such expressiveness to his movements, voice, face!! He is totally Tevye. Consummately!!
Every performance of this song is enjoyable, but I find myself comparing all to Zero Mostel's version!!!
Zero was the Greatest. RIP
A Broadway giant!
Zero was THE BEST!!!!
Absolutely true
Great acting. He gets the Yiddish/American schtick perfectly.
Anyone can try this song but for me the authenticity lies very strongly in the Jewish identity ,.Zero may he rest in peace performed it wonderfully,
What a perfect Tevye.
Must say excellent...
Zero Mostel was in the original production of Fiddler.
he is amazing
Was !!!!!!
A good song
Fantastic!
My mother's mother's father & Zero Mostel's Father were Brothers....
When he drunk: if i were a rich man futdiyriyrmu5el86fyjrdiufu5dkhchcyf
Me: EEE PATAPAKI PATAPAKI
My friends: bruh he is like lincoln loud
My cousin: *plays build a boat for treasure in roblox* *laughs*
Me: ima play roblox booga booga *after playing* ima play sea's difficulty chart obby *after playing*
Mum: JASSSSS WE ARE GOING SOMEWHERE
Me: WHERE
Mom: IM TAKING YOU TO UR DAD'S WORK THE MECHANIC SHOP
Me: WAIT CAN I BRING OUR INTERNET?!
Mom: YES I U WANT TO
My friend Yza: awww mannnn
Mom: Take Yza to her house now
Me: OKKKKK
Me and Yza: BYEEEE
Yza: WAIT HUG
Me: OK
Me and Yza: *hugs*
Has anyone ever stated why Mostel wasn't cast in the film?
Spellbinding Zero Mostel.
So, don't take offense to this, because as a gamer, this is actually a great compliment. We have a figure in gaming from a game called Conker's Bad Fur Day for the Xbox called The Great Mighty Poo. He's just what he sounds like, poo, but the comedic twist to it is that once he appears, he sings in a strong, beautiful opera voice just like THIS! He sounds just LIKE him!
Wow! What a performance!
¡¡¡¡BRAVO!!!!!
bravo
Topal and Mostel create a playful and familiar relationship with God...as if they talk to him all of the time. The baritone in another clip I watched had a great voice, but he seemed angry at God. His interpretation took away from this intimacy and poignant resignation that the other actors are able to create.
Do you happen to recall the name of the particular baritone that you heard? After hearing Zero’s 1964 version and Topol’s 1964 and 1971 version, I’d be interested to hear another interpretation :)
@@a_rocknrolladdict.0312 His name is Byrn Terful. I think I spelled it correctly. Hope I was able to help.
@@valerieverdi2730 yes that’s the singer, and it turns out I’ve heard his version. I agree with your stance on that version. It’s technically fantastic and all, but it’s a little too operatic to really fit in with the playful nature of klezmer music. You said it best, Topol and Zero created that playful dynamic with God, treating him as a best friend rather than an omnipresent entity.
@@a_rocknrolladdict.0312 Glad I could help.🎶
Mr Mostels son starred in the film verison of Jesus Christ Superstar, following in his father's footsteps,wish he had done the role made famous by his father.
Was he Herod
His son was the Revolting Blob in Billy Madison...
@@dylanwho209 yes he was in the film verison of Jesus Christ Superstar.wish he had done the role his father did in Fiddler.
There was no Tevya like Mostel
Bravo. Great!
How can I fix the Closed Captions?
In morning in Bucarest at6h we come from Ceaiweusedto dink à botle ofmilk in th street sa ma ierteministrii
The difference between Zero Mostel and Chaim Topol is this, when you watch Zero you're actually watching Tevye; when you watch Topol you're actually watching Topol. Zero Mostel has the heart of Tevye, Topol has the heart of someone trying to be Tevye!
I guess the difference is that Topol was an actor and Zero Mostel was more of a comic actor?
Wow
0:33 If I Were a Rich Man
Remind me again, Mr. Norman Jewison, why Z.Moatel wasn't cast as Tevye in the film version? (No offense intended towards Topol)
@@Camop-iz9kt Chaim Topol was born in Tel Aviv. He is not European.
Zero Mostel wasn’t really known for his singing ability, also Mostel was 62 at the time of filming and had slowly began moving away from the stage. He disliked filming too.
@@JasonWise He wasn't in the movie because he wanted to have directorial input as well as be the star. Norman Jewison couldn't have that, so they hired an actor they knew wouldn't make problems on the set. Zero wanted a small barn. 1 cow, poverty. That's what Sholem Aleichem wrote. Small. Jewison made it big. Big barn. Lots of cows. It's very Hollywood. Not much to do with Sholem Aleichem. Zero, of course knew all the Sholem Aleichem stories. It's unclear if Jewison did. Zero wasn't a singer. He could put a song over on stage, but he never trained to be a singer and he couldn't read music, either. Zero was dead at 62, not "moving away from the stage." He liked filming if he liked the director. He made movies for pocket change. He was 56 when the movie was being made. And he was fine with Broadway and acting there. At the time of his death, he was scheduled to play in Moses und Aron at the Metropolitan Opera and to be directed, again by John Dexter. Alas it never happened.
Its a pity they did not use him in the movie.
The ONLY Tevye
Nothing against the 1971 movie version HOWEVER, Zero should have been Tevye
Bravo caracas
holy shit is that zero mostel
♥ ♥ ♥
Hey, Peter!!
#shimmy
Best Tevye.
I agree. Greetings from Manila.
The original Tevye...
If I had a kitten
miaow miaow miaow miaow miaow miaow
miaow miaow miaow miaow miaow miaow
miaow miaow miaow
🧐 Total Zero !
🥰👍🙈👑
7
He’s good, but I think Topal was better.
N&S Topal is definitely a better singer but I love Zero’s performance better. His movements are more comedic in imho.
demon515 And that comedic element of Mostel is why I prefer Topal. He brings more poignancy to the role JMO
N&S Personal I think it’s more fun with Zero’s comic take. There’s no wrong answer and both are amazing but it’s just a matter of preference.
It's a fun and entertaining performance. But I think he's playing the character too much like a modern American Jew. I prefer Topol's authenticity.
Norman Jewison, the director, didn't want to cast Mostel because he thought the performer's larger than life personality would eclipse the character of Tevye.
Topol doesn't walk in my shoes. Zero Mostel did.
So, what, did the Topol fan club send everyone here? Ridiculous.
@@haineshisway every channel has trolls.
Absolutely agree!
Clearly we can see from this clip why Bock and Harnick wanted Topol (from the London production). Too much mugging to the audience.
The mugging is because this is a performance from the 1971 Tony Awards, so on stage Zero would’ve played Tevye in a much more serious sense. Here, because it’s independent of the original stage productions he’s able to play to the comedic elements.
Plus it was actually Norman Jewison who made the decision to get Topol instead of Zero for the film :)
Huge mistake. I curse those guys forever. Zero was Tevye. I saw him on Broadway. Nobody should have had that role but him. Anyone who saw Zero was disappointed with Topol the role was built for Zero. Huge mistake. Could have had him on film preserved forever. Just like the idiots that cast Lucille ball in Mame.
Im adam DAD Aztec cane Joseph ragnar alladan Joseph Achilles Ishmael Moses Isaiah Gidian yeshua im David Austin Simmons
Im walking to mecca im get my army or isreal will be melted dirt hu
Topol does this so much better.
i dont like it
He butchered this and it sounds absolutely terrible… how do you people think this is good? Go watch Alfred Molina or Anthony Warlow
Let's face it. This is a dreadful song.