Norman-Jewison Movie Reviews

When I saw this movie had not been reviewed I just couldn't resist. This is a wonderful family flick for all ages and boasts a "who's who" list of very funny character actors from the 1960's. Tony Curtis is outrageously funny and charming as Steve McClusky, a Nevada casino manager who winds up caring for Penny, a 5 year old orphan with amusing results. Suzanne Pleshette as a romantic endeavor never looked better. And Phil Silvers' portrayal as the loveable tough guy Uncle Bernie can't be topped. The "chase" scene thru Disneyland is pure fun. This movie truely is a family classic!

For years I have put off watching this movie because I am not a fan of musicals. After watching this, I cannot believe I waited so long. There are musical numbers, memorable ones, but there is a truly engaging story also.

The smaller-scale story is about a traditional Jewish father who is struggling to get by in the world. He explains the meaning of the fiddler on the roof early on and likens it to his survival. Topol gives us a great performance as we see his traditional ways tested with the marriages of some of his daughters.

The larger-scale story is about the changing face of Russia. Pogroms are moving people around or away, and this movie shows the effects on a village. I found it very informative.

OK, the music will stick with you. Even though I am not much of a fan of musicals, I find myself humming "Sunrise, Sunset," and I can still hear the daughters singing of the matchmaker. I music of Isaac Stern will stay with you also.

I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

"Fiddler on the Roof" is my all-time favorite musical, both on the stage and on film. This is a story of tradition, love and marriage in a Jewish family living in the face of persecution in Tsarist Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Based on the 19th century stories of Sholom Alechem, it tells of how Tevye, a poor Jewish dairyman, Golde, his somewhat shrewish wife, and their five unmarried daughters face their dreams amidst the reality of rampant anti-semitism. Director Norman Jewison's treatment of this story is wonderfully sensitive. The cast - especially Topol as Tevye (nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for this role) and Norma Crane as Golde - bring to life all the strength of character, the comedy, and the poignant tragedy of life in the village of Anatevka. The music and choreography are sheer magic throughout! "Fiddler on the Roof" is a timeless classic, and should not be missed.

"Fiddler on the Roof" is one of the greatest works for the theater of all time. The story is one of extroidinary importance, and one that has entertained ever since opening on Broadway on September 22, 1964.

The story, based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, centers around Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman who lives with his wife and five daughters in czarist Russia in 1905, on the eve of the revolutionary period. They live in their home in the small village of Anatevka. The story is so engrossing, so I will tell no more of the plot, as to not spoil for you the joys of first viewing it yourself.

Tevye, the deeple religious milkman, is played magnificently by Chaim Topol (he is billed only as "Topol"). Before I saw this movie for the first time, I thought it was a mistake for the filmmakers to not have Tevye portrayed by Zero Mostel, who played him in the original Broadway production. I must say, however, that Topol is a marvel as the lovable Tevye. He is a perfect match to the character...his performance is both funny and touching. I laugh every time I see him dance while singing the famous "If I Were A Rich Man". His performance is one for the ages.

The supporting performances are all extroidinary! Norma Crane is very sincere and fabulous as Golde, Tevye's wife. Rosalind Harris (Tzeitel), Michele Marsh (Hodel) and Neva Small (Cheva) are all magnificent as Tevye's three main daughter's. Their performances are all sentimental and heartfelt. Their rendition of "Matchmaker" is priceless. Leonard Frey is also great as Motel, the tailor and one of the girl's love interests. Only, the way he walks and moves can be quite annoying at times. Nevertheless, he sings a great rendition of "Miracles of Miracles".

The songs are all composed by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Every one of the songs in "Fiddler on the Roof" is incredible. The hysterical "If I Were A Rich Man", one of the sweetest duets of all time "Do You Love Me?" and the haunting, beautifully written "Sunrise, Sunset".

"Fiddler on the Roof" is an incredible story with incredible music. Th estory is very happy at times, but also very sad. I usually never cry at movies, yet several scenes made me teary eyed. Believe me, you will love this American Masterpiece. It is not just one of the greatest musicals ever written, it is one of the best movies of all-time. If you were a rich man, you couldn't buy a better show. (The DVD extras are great, also).

To qoute the New York Post, "'Fiddler on the Roof' is like your grandmother's house: a place to renew old values and get your soul scrubbed out. If you're lucky enough to have it still, be wise enough to visit it often." You'll be glad you did.

For years I have put off watching this movie because I am not a fan of musicals. After watching this, I cannot believe I waited so long. There are musical numbers, memorable ones, but there is a truly engaging story also.

The smaller-scale story is about a traditional Jewish father who is struggling to get by in the world. He explains the meaning of the fiddler on the roof early on and likens it to his survival. Topol gives us a great performance as we see his traditional ways tested with the marriages of some of his daughters.

The larger-scale story is about the changing face of Russia. Pogroms are moving people around or away, and this movie shows the effects on a village. I found it very informative.

OK, the music will stick with you. Even though I am not much of a fan of musicals, I find myself humming "Sunrise, Sunset," and I can still hear the daughters singing of the matchmaker. I music of Isaac Stern will stay with you also.

I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

"Fiddler on the Roof" is my all-time favorite musical, both on the stage and on film. This is a story of tradition, love and marriage in a Jewish family living in the face of persecution in Tsarist Russia at the beginning of the 20th century. Based on the 19th century stories of Sholom Alechem, it tells of how Tevye, a poor Jewish dairyman, Golde, his somewhat shrewish wife, and their five unmarried daughters face their dreams amidst the reality of rampant anti-semitism. Director Norman Jewison's treatment of this story is wonderfully sensitive. The cast - especially Topol as Tevye (nominated for a Best Actor Academy Award for this role) and Norma Crane as Golde - bring to life all the strength of character, the comedy, and the poignant tragedy of life in the village of Anatevka. The music and choreography are sheer magic throughout! "Fiddler on the Roof" is a timeless classic, and should not be missed.

"Fiddler on the Roof" is one of the greatest works for the theater of all time. The story is one of extroidinary importance, and one that has entertained ever since opening on Broadway on September 22, 1964.

The story, based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, centers around Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman who lives with his wife and five daughters in czarist Russia in 1905, on the eve of the revolutionary period. They live in their home in the small village of Anatevka. The story is so engrossing, so I will tell no more of the plot, as to not spoil for you the joys of first viewing it yourself.

Tevye, the deeple religious milkman, is played magnificently by Chaim Topol (he is billed only as "Topol"). Before I saw this movie for the first time, I thought it was a mistake for the filmmakers to not have Tevye portrayed by Zero Mostel, who played him in the original Broadway production. I must say, however, that Topol is a marvel as the lovable Tevye. He is a perfect match to the character...his performance is both funny and touching. I laugh every time I see him dance while singing the famous "If I Were A Rich Man". His performance is one for the ages.

The supporting performances are all extroidinary! Norma Crane is very sincere and fabulous as Golde, Tevye's wife. Rosalind Harris (Tzeitel), Michele Marsh (Hodel) and Neva Small (Cheva) are all magnificent as Tevye's three main daughter's. Their performances are all sentimental and heartfelt. Their rendition of "Matchmaker" is priceless. Leonard Frey is also great as Motel, the tailor and one of the girl's love interests. Only, the way he walks and moves can be quite annoying at times. Nevertheless, he sings a great rendition of "Miracles of Miracles".

The songs are all composed by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Every one of the songs in "Fiddler on the Roof" is incredible. The hysterical "If I Were A Rich Man", one of the sweetest duets of all time "Do You Love Me?" and the haunting, beautifully written "Sunrise, Sunset".

"Fiddler on the Roof" is an incredible story with incredible music. Th estory is very happy at times, but also very sad. I usually never cry at movies, yet several scenes made me teary eyed. Believe me, you will love this American Masterpiece. It is not just one of the greatest musicals ever written, it is one of the best movies of all-time. If you were a rich man, you couldn't buy a better show. (The DVD extras are great, also).

To qoute the New York Post, "'Fiddler on the Roof' is like your grandmother's house: a place to renew old values and get your soul scrubbed out. If you're lucky enough to have it still, be wise enough to visit it often." You'll be glad you did.

For anyone who dreams of meeting that special someone at that right moment, this is the movie for you! The romance of Peter and Faith (Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei) is what people dream about. Simply bumping into the person in Rome, and soon finding yourselves in love is so idealistic, you have have to stop and remind yourself that it is just a movie. However, it makes you wonder - is there that one person out there just for us and it's just a matter time before you find them? It's such a beautiful and this movie only makes it come true. A romance written in the stars is truly a romance worth having!

One of the best things about this movie was the beautiful setting. It was filmed in Venice, and there were some seriously magnificent shots. It made me wish I could just pick up and go there for a weekend, like Faith and Kate did.

The movie begins with Faith as a girl, playing with a Ouiji board. She asks who her soulmate is, and it gives her the name Damon Bradley. All her life, she waits to find him, but is unsuccessful. Marisa Tomei does an excellent job portraying the naive dreamer, Faith. When a phone call turns out to be a lead on discovering her soulmate, Faith and Kate fly to Venice, hoping to find him...ten days before Faith is supposed to marry the wrong man. In Venice, Faith runs into Peter Wright *literally* who chases her down to return her shoe. The moment she bumps into him, he falls in love with her! Seeing it as his only opportunity to get to know her, Peter (played by Robert Downey Jr.) pretends to be Damon.

I won't spoil the ending, but I will say this movie really made me smile. It's a great chick flick for those of us who love romance movies.

This is my older sister's absolute favorite movie, and she has good reason to think so. The plot is rather predictable in many aspects, but at the same time there are a couple twists that make it even more charming and interesting. Definitely a chick flick, but one that can be enjoyed over and over again without tiring of it.

For anyone who dreams of meeting that special someone at that right moment, this is the movie for you! The romance of Peter and Faith (Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei) is what people dream about. Simply bumping into the person in Rome, and soon finding yourselves in love is so idealistic, you have have to stop and remind yourself that it is just a movie. However, it makes you wonder - is there that one person out there just for us and it's just a matter time before you find them? It's such a beautiful and this movie only makes it come true. A romance written in the stars is truly a romance worth having!

One of the best things about this movie was the beautiful setting. It was filmed in Venice, and there were some seriously magnificent shots. It made me wish I could just pick up and go there for a weekend, like Faith and Kate did.

The movie begins with Faith as a girl, playing with a Ouiji board. She asks who her soulmate is, and it gives her the name Damon Bradley. All her life, she waits to find him, but is unsuccessful. Marisa Tomei does an excellent job portraying the naive dreamer, Faith. When a phone call turns out to be a lead on discovering her soulmate, Faith and Kate fly to Venice, hoping to find him...ten days before Faith is supposed to marry the wrong man. In Venice, Faith runs into Peter Wright *literally* who chases her down to return her shoe. The moment she bumps into him, he falls in love with her! Seeing it as his only opportunity to get to know her, Peter (played by Robert Downey Jr.) pretends to be Damon.

I won't spoil the ending, but I will say this movie really made me smile. It's a great chick flick for those of us who love romance movies.

This is my older sister's absolute favorite movie, and she has good reason to think so. The plot is rather predictable in many aspects, but at the same time there are a couple twists that make it even more charming and interesting. Definitely a chick flick, but one that can be enjoyed over and over again without tiring of it.

I feel really old when I realize that I saw this film in a movie theater when it first came out. At that time, Carl Reiner was well-known from the Sid Caesar Show and the Dick Van Dyke Show, and Alan Arkin had made a big comic splash in "Enter Laughing" and was considered a rising star (somehow he never achieved full stardom and wound up doing odd character roles). Eva Marie Saint was a powerhouse dramatic actress ("On The Waterfront") doing a politically-incorrect simpering housewife role. Paul Ford was known for playing the colonel on the Phil Silvers "Sergeant Bilko" series. John Philip Law was the hunk du jour (and whatever happened to him?)and Andrea Dromm, the other half of the love story, apparently played out her entire movie career in this one film.

Initially, I was disappointed in the film because I'd read Nathaniel Benchley's novel, "The Off-Islanders," which was a much richer and more subtle story. In time, the movie won me over and I still love watching it. Most of the deliberately "comic" set pieces misfire--many of the routines go on too long (the blustery tension between Paul Ford's obsessed veteran and Brian Keith's put-upon police chief, for example)and Jewison, a good director in other respects, has no sense of comic timing.I do laugh, though, at the silly bit where Reiner and Tessie O'Shea are tied up face to face and attempt to get down a steep flight of stairs. This is funny mostly because of Reiner's own timing. Overall, the film could benefit by a cut of about 10-15 minutes.

What does keep me coming back is the warm, layered characterization of Alan Arkin's lieutenant and the journey of Carl Reiner's musical comedy writer from terrified schnook to murderous family man to chastened and maturing citizen.Reiner is actually scary when he fires a shotgun through the window of the car Arkin is driving. He's been pushed to the edge by his obnoxious son's goading and by the frightening threats to his family.The scene where he looks into the window of the crashed car and tries to apologize to the even-more-frightened Arkin is delicate and charmingly funny.

Arkin seems to be in another film most of the time. His character is richly detailed and subtle. He is clearly a better sailor than his stubborn captain (Theodore Bikel), and his repressed fury at the captain's stupidity is a character study in itself. He portrays fear, determination, resourcefulness, tenderness, and exasperation, all without pushing or overacting (the same can't be said for some of the other principals, notably Jonathan Winters, who never succeeds in a scripted part).

There is gentle satire in the portrayal of the easily duped and insular residents of Gloucester Island (Arkin's attempt to pronounce this name from a map is a gem in itself), though silent movie star Ben Blue wildly overacts. Brian Keith captures the weariness of a small town police chief's life, and his personal best moment comes when he faces the Soviet sub, guns trained on his town, and whips out his citation book to write out a ticket.

The mandatory romance isn't too annoying since Law and Dromm play it low-key and have some genuine charm. The two children are dreadfully annoying, though the boy is meant to be that way. Reiner's cry to his wife, "Hit him!" as he drives away, will definitely draw a sympathetic laugh.

The other unfortunate note (aside from the romance)is the Hollywood ending. The sub captain is bluffing the townspeople, thinking his men are being held (they aren't; they've commandeered a speedboat which unaccountably missed seeing the sub sail into the harbor). He threatens to blow up the town in one minute. The townspeople, in a wonderful shot, take aim with their hunting rifles and pistols, terror showing in their eyes. The captain is also terrified. The standoff has real tension, but it's solved by the awful gimmick of having a little boy (who to this point has played no part in the film) dangle from a church tower. Naturally, the Russian sailors scramble from the sub to help and everyone is now consumed with a spirit of detente. It leaves a bad taste, made worse by Saint's suggestion that the townspeople escort the sub safely out of the harbor (no doubt they will all face intense grilling by our government, and possibly jail time).

However, I always recover from that lapse and the movie leaves me feeling mostly charmed and happy. I find myself reciting "Egermecy--everybody to get from street!" at odd times, and I realize that this film makes me nostalgic for a time when movie comedies did not have to be vicious or filthy or both.

I have watched this movie more times than I can count, and each time I find myself laughing until I cry. When a Russian submarine accidentally runs aground of a sleepy little island summer town, the people literally go nuts. Alan Arkin, Carl Reiner, Brian Keith and Jonathan Winters are just a few of the many fine actors who make this movie a laugh a minute. When the bumbling Russians tie up and gag the elderly Post-Mistress "Muriel Everitt" and sit her on top of the refrigerator - you will laugh until your sides ache when her nearly deaf husband eats breakfast 2 feet from her and never realizes she's behind him struggling to get his attention. The sight of Carl Reiner tied up face to face with the hefty town operator and their efforts to hop down a steep flight of steps, (ending, naturally, with the heavy woman falling on top of Carl Reiner and passing out ) is more than I could take with out laughing until I cried. Please rent this movie and have the entire family watch it with you. It's in the genre of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and you will enjoy every moment !

I have watched this movie more times than I can count, and each time I find myself laughing until I cry. When a Russian submarine accidentally runs aground of a sleepy little island summer town, the people literally go nuts. Alan Arkin, Carl Reiner, Brian Keith and Jonathan Winters are just a few of the many fine actors who make this movie a laugh a minute. When the bumbling Russians tie up and gag the elderly Post-Mistress "Muriel Everitt" and sit her on top of the refrigerator - you will laugh until your sides ache when her nearly deaf husband eats breakfast 2 feet from her and never realizes she's behind him struggling to get his attention. The sight of Carl Reiner tied up face to face with the hefty town operator and their efforts to hop down a steep flight of steps, (ending, naturally, with the heavy woman falling on top of Carl Reiner and passing out ) is more than I could take with out laughing until I cried. Please rent this movie and have the entire family watch it with you. It's in the genre of "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" and you will enjoy every moment !

I am not a big fan of religion (not to insult anyone), but I loved this movie. I love the 70's...it was typical with the dancing and costumes and all. The soundtrack was great and it was made really well.

Though it may seem dated, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is still a film worth checking out. Ever since its origin as a concept recording, the subject and how it was presented caused its controversy for the time. The film may not be what everyone expected, but it is visually incredible. The sunsets over the Israeli deserts are awesome. The music, though not groundbreaking, is still some of the best work Andrew Lloyd Webber has written, as well as the lyrics of Tim Rice. The performances are incredible, notably Carl Anderson as Judas and Ted Neely as Jesus. Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) and Barry Dennen (Pilate) are the original actors of the concept album and Broadway adaptation of the rock opera. Scenes worth relishing: Heaven on Their Minds; The Last Supper; Gethsemane; and the title song. For early 70s nostalgia, the choreography in "Simon Zealotes" is fun. An added bonus on the DVD presentation is the dubbed French soundtrack. If I'm not mistaken, the singers are the same ones who performed in the Paris, France stage production of the early 70s. View with an open mind and enjoy!

I am religious, and I am NOT offended by this movie. I think, this says a lot. The creators gone into the reasons why negative personages did what they did, and got amazing results with this work. The movie does not try to justify them, but they are not scary icons anymore, but rather live people with their own problems, reasons, and logic. And what Jesus does there, creators of the movie also got a lot of that right. And they don't press any final judgements on the viewer, you are free to decide for yourself, who is who and who is right or wrong.

Word of caution, do not even try another edition of the same title made in 2000. This one, made in 1973, is the good one.

I am not a big fan of religion (not to insult anyone), but I loved this movie. I love the 70's...it was typical with the dancing and costumes and all. The soundtrack was great and it was made really well.

Though it may seem dated, JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR is still a film worth checking out. Ever since its origin as a concept recording, the subject and how it was presented caused its controversy for the time. The film may not be what everyone expected, but it is visually incredible. The sunsets over the Israeli deserts are awesome. The music, though not groundbreaking, is still some of the best work Andrew Lloyd Webber has written, as well as the lyrics of Tim Rice. The performances are incredible, notably Carl Anderson as Judas and Ted Neely as Jesus. Yvonne Elliman (Mary Magdalene) and Barry Dennen (Pilate) are the original actors of the concept album and Broadway adaptation of the rock opera. Scenes worth relishing: Heaven on Their Minds; The Last Supper; Gethsemane; and the title song. For early 70s nostalgia, the choreography in "Simon Zealotes" is fun. An added bonus on the DVD presentation is the dubbed French soundtrack. If I'm not mistaken, the singers are the same ones who performed in the Paris, France stage production of the early 70s. View with an open mind and enjoy!

I am religious, and I am NOT offended by this movie. I think, this says a lot. The creators gone into the reasons why negative personages did what they did, and got amazing results with this work. The movie does not try to justify them, but they are not scary icons anymore, but rather live people with their own problems, reasons, and logic. And what Jesus does there, creators of the movie also got a lot of that right. And they don't press any final judgements on the viewer, you are free to decide for yourself, who is who and who is right or wrong.

Word of caution, do not even try another edition of the same title made in 2000. This one, made in 1973, is the good one.

Unfortunately--I Am unable to view this product because of some mal-function of the TAPE.Each time I'VE INSERTED IT INTO my 2 different vcr's plus my neighbors and finally a relative's --IT SELF-EJECTS!please advise.In an attempt to locate the seller:scottsaucs@sbcglobal.net I'VE RECEIVED PERSON UNKNOWN RESPONSE.We really want this vhs tape but are reluctant to pay for it again via Amazon.com.please advise and how may I return this one?

Sincerest Thanks,don greathouse

p.s very satisfied w/all other transactions

One of my favorite movies ever. I have watched this movie dozens of times and never tire of it. It is truly great and deserving of all the awards it received.

"In the Heat of the Night" won the Oscar for Best Picture of 1967. I was a Freshman in college that year, and all the talk was about "Bonnie and Clyde", a great film. "The Graduate" was doing the art-house circuit, and wasn't widely seen at the time. "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" was, at the time, considered ostentatious (a rich Black man marrying the daughter of a rich White couple...how shocking!); the fifth nominee that year was Rex Harrison's "Doctor Dolittle", but I don't want to talk about that. I find that, 25 years later, I pull out "In the Heat of the Night" to get my kicks from brilliant film-making, as well as good suspense and fine acting and direction. This was Norman Jewison's first nomination for Direction, and not his last. Some say he lost it to Mike Nichols for "The Graduate" because Nichols probably should've won for his debut film effort, "Virginia Woolf?".Maybe. Some say Rod Steiger won his acting Oscar because he lost in '65 for "The Pawnbroker". I doubt it. In my humble opinion, this was Steiger's penultimate role, a man who is so sure of himself, yet is taken down a peg by someone better. He will never show his insecurity, though you know it's there. I also believe, after watching this often, that Steiger's Gillespie is NOT racist, merely dealing with a racist environment. It's mentioned that he's the new sheriff, but it never says where he came from. This is good, because Steiger starts from scratch, builds a compelling character, shows a bit of lack-of-control, and it makes him nervous an wonderfully vulnerable. His mind is usually open. Virgil teaches him; hence, whatever happens later can only be for his benefit. Great characters. Poitier was in 3 good films in 1967: this one, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", "To Sir, With Love". I'm sure that, when nomination time came, his votes were divided. For this reason alone, I think he would've won. The performances of Lee Grant, Quentin Dean and Scott Wilson (he was in "In Cold Blood" that year) were stellar. The great old gospel singer, Jester Hairston, also had a small role; he dubbed the singing for Poitier's Oscar winning role in "Lilies of the Field" ("Amen!"). Interesting stuff! Sterling Silliphant's screenplay won the Oscar hands-down, a riveting narrative of a complicated book. The greatest thing about Steiger's performance is that you know nothing about him or his background when the film begins, or even when it's over. What you know is that he's stuck in a place he doesn't like and no one likes him; there are suggested gay overtones, especially when he's in his home and he and Virgil talk about loneliness. It's quite profound when he doesn't get the answer he wants. There's also the great Beah Richards, in a small cameo, as Mama Kaleba; a sweet but nonetheless reprehensible character; she was nominated that year for "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", as Poitier's wonderfully heart-broken mother, a fine performance. Yes, 1967 was a great year. "The Graduate" broke a few barriers; "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" broke some, and, certainly, "Bonnie & Clyde" made bad guys look good. Don't forget Richard Brooks' "In Cold Blood"...A great year, but I still think "In the Heat of the Night" is the film I prefer to watch.

I am in complete agreement with the viewer from MN as to the unfortunate full screen format this DVD version was produced in. What a blunder! What a loss of visual information so important to the script! I have had to make a VHS recording off of TCM when THEY presented the movie in its' Letterbox format. I hope someone smartens-up and rereleases Moonstruck on DVD that delivers all the great cinematography.

Like other reviewers, I'm baffled as to why this is not in letterbox. I can live without super-duper extras, but I have no reason to upgrade from my VHS until a widescreen version is published. The rating is reflective of my dislike of the fullscreen formatting. The movie itself is one of the great romantic comedies-a love letter to love itself, and NYC.

wonderful movie. if you can stand the chopped format, get it. If you want letterbox, tape it (December 2003) from TCM. Or look for the rumored widescreen DVD version. (Why they ever made a chopped version for DVD, I'll never understand...)