<P> The film version was released in 1971 , directed and produced by Norman Jewison , and Stein adapted his own book for the screenplay . The casting of Chaim Topol over Zero Mostel for the role of Tevye caused controversy at first . The film received mostly positive reviews from film critics and became the highest - grossing film of 1971 . Fiddler received eight Oscar nominations , including Best Picture , Best Director for Jewison , Best Actor in a Leading Role for Topol , and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Leonard Frey ( as Motel ; in the original Broadway production , Frey was the rabbi 's son ) . It won three , including best score / adaptation for arranger - conductor John Williams . </P>
<P> The film version was released in 1971 , directed and produced by Norman Jewison , and Stein adapted his own book for the screenplay . The casting of Chaim Topol over Zero Mostel for the role of Tevye caused controversy at first . The film received mostly positive reviews from film critics and became the highest - grossing film of 1971 . Fiddler received eight Oscar nominations , including Best Picture , Best Director for Jewison , Best Actor in a Leading Role for Topol , and Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Leonard Frey ( as Motel ; in the original Broadway production , Frey was the rabbi 's son ) . It won three , including best score / adaptation for arranger - conductor John Williams . </P>
who played the main character in fiddler on the roof
who played the main character in fiddler on the roof
Chaim Topol
Chaim Topol