This is the turn, this is exactly where it shifts gears from a comedy into a tragedy. And from a musical into a masterpiece.

“And if our good fortune never comes, here’s to whatever does” is now my life philosophy

"I always wanted a son, but I always wanted one a little younger than myself." Best joke in the entire movie.

proof that guys can dance together and it isn't awkward

“When good fortune favours two such men it stands to reason we deserve it, too”- absolutely epic passive-aggressive insult-compliment there.

This whole movie is a masterpiece! The best musical I have ever seen. I specially like this part because it shows how people of different ethnicities are naturally the same and born in peace with each other, Yet the same people are used as tools for wars that neither of them started...! To life, and the people who live it right!!!!!!!!!!!!

It's actually a brilliantly choreographed scene.

Rest in perfect peace, Topol! Thank you for making this great classic - you'll never be forgotten!

I do have to feel bad for Lazarwolf, to be so happy then be told the weddings off. I like to think he eventually found joy with another (maybe older) wife

ALCOHOL , UNITING US FOR OVER 10.000 YEARS :)) And 40 years after this movie we still drink ... TO LIFE! :)

My mom got me into loving this movie ...grateful I am for this rich exposure! Uggh and what they sell nowadays as art....wow just wow

I sang in this musical when I was in High School. Only now do I realize just how ingenious this score really is! This must be some of the best theatre music ever composed. Ever.

My daughter just got engaged and this song is helping me to celebrate it! I love it!

I love this scene because it shows that both groups can celebrate together, even when it is only for one evening. Their music and dance integrated in spite of the politics and war that goes on outside this tavern...... there is so much beauty in that. Although we do know ofcourse that (maybe the same) Cossacks will be burning houses and synagogues in the next pogrom.

My favorite scene. I love to watch Russian men dance like this. The athleticism, endurance, entertaining precision moves, and how much they enjoy doing this is wonderful. I've watched what's called Virsky dancers on KZfaq. They are amazing.

What about that astounding Cossack tenor who comes in at 3:16 ?!! His voice is breathtaking ! I'd love to know who he was. It's a magnificent scene, and for me, his singing crowned it.

Always cracks me up in the beginning when the chorus sings a toast to lazer wolf and tevya sings a toast to himself.

Amazingly, this song and dance number was filmed in one take!

notice Topol (Tevye) is the only one who says l'chaim alone because he is the only one can pronounce it correctly.

The Russian squat dance is really really hard.

Russian #1: I don't remember anything from last night what did we do? Russian #2: Oh nothing much we danced and sang with a bunch of Jews.

God bless you, Chaim Topol. Loved this movie when it came out in the early 70's, and finally understood to 30 and 40 years later.

We are doing this for the musical at my high school this year, we practiced the choreography for this scene for the first time today... all of us are in pain lol. But, this is my favorite song in the musical!!

This is one of the best musical scenes in history

I will make all my daughters boyfriends learn this song, so that if they ask to marry my daughter and I say yes, we have to do this

My high school is doing this play in May, I'm only the Rabbi's son but this song has been a joy to learn and to sing with everyone participating

I like how even though this is a celebratory song, the film still shows the tension between the Jews and the other russians. The actors playing the Jewish characters are clearly uncomfortable around the other russians, since at the time there were pogroms going on at other villages. And as it happened in this movie, it was only a matter of time before it reached their village too. Tevya on the other hand is too drunk, so he is completely uninhibited and unafraid.

How I wish we all live in a world of peace, regardless of race and religion especially!

Just finished performing this play, absolutely loved singing this song as Lazar Wolf. Such a good musical.

This is a fabulous scene, because for a moment in time all these men have put aside their differences to drink, dance and celebrate life.

Love this Russian dance scene.. one of the best dance scenes ever, imo! And greatest musicals.

Only the very fit and young can dance like that. They make it look so easy. It's hard.

This is was done so well. The different musical keys and styles to show the two disparate cultures. Lots of minor chords for the Jewish side, and lots of major chords for the gentile side. And the styles of dancing juxtaposed next to the other, and mixed with the other. I love this scene.

Just shows how good the films were that year: French Connection, Clockwork Orange, Last Picture Show, Nicholas and Alexandria, and Fiddler. All five are great films, and I love them all.

Grandma loved this movie! Said it was just like when she was growing up

Watching this brings back good memories of performing this onstage, I got to play the part of the Russian Captain who sings the solo

I was in a performance of this musical this whole song became a running joke because of how we loved it so much and with everything all I gotta say is TO LIFE

Lazar Wolf's reaction has always been my favorite "Yes that's very nice-- Oh shi-!

i just love the beginning they slammed like 5 shots like its water. and then they start singing. like man they are pro, taking shots and just keep going not even needing a breath in between like damn if i did that like oh em gee

I had a girlfriend who hated fiddler - had is the meaning of this sentence.

funny story: I once went to a bachelor party, I was just outside the door when I heard the guys watching this, and I entered the exact same way the Russians did. the rest of that night I can't remember

I literally wore out the recording of the Zero Mostel performance as a small child. The first time I saw the movie when I was about 10 the ghost dream sequence traumatized me LOL. Still my favorite musical though followed closely by The Music Man.

I've seen this movie 100 time growing up and still love it. Watching this clip now I just realized the butcher is built like a freakin' bull! Wowza. I wouldn't have broke an arragement wit dis guy.

Tbh, I normally watch this just to see the Russians dance at 3:20 And the music and footwork at 4:40 😱 is just *mwah 👌🏼 lol. I obsess over this everytime. Very motivational dance

My school was doing this play right before the Coronavirus quarantine crap. We practiced for months and we went into quarantine a month and a half before we were going to perform. I was going to be Fyedka, and I also was going to sing that part where the Russian soldier breaks into song out of nowhere. My drama teacher was proud that I was able to do the part without any experience.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF!! "To life" is an amazing joyful celebratory video. If you can't be happy watching this oh well you may never be. This video is uplifting.It is great fun! More importantly, it shows the great talent of the actors in this fantastic musical! I salute all of you!! Great show! Great movie! Great performance!

from 3:16 to 4:53 - my favorite part of this scene. the singing, the dancing, the music ... all beautiful and so much fun to watch! Bravo!

I like the bit of iorny of the butcher and milkman joining families.

To life, to life, l'chaim. L'chaim, l'chaim, to life. Here's to the father I tried to be! Here's to my bride to be! Drink, l'chaim! To life, to life, l'chaim. L'chaim, l'chaim, to life. Life has a way of confusing us, Blessing and bruising us. Drink, l'chaim, to life! God would like us to be joyful, Even when our hearts lie panting on the floor. How much more can we be joyful When there's really something to be joyful for? To life, to life, l'chaim. To Tzeitel, my daughter. My wife. It gives you something to think about, Something to drink about. Drink, l'chaim, to life. (Mordcha! yes!! Hey Mordcha! Drinks for everyone! What's the big occassion? I'm taking myself a bride! Who's the lucky one? Tevye's eldest Tzietel!) To Lazar Wolf! To Tevye! To Tzeitel, your daughter! My wife! May all your futures be pleasant ones, Not like our present ones! Drink, l'chaim! To life, to life, l'chaim! (l'chaim) L'chaim, l'chaim, to life! It takes a wedding to make us say, "Let's live another day." Drink, l'chaim, to life! We'll raise a glass and sip a drop of schnappes In honor of the great good luck that favors you. We know that when good fortune favors two such men, It stands to reason we deserve it, too! To us and our good fortune. Be happy! Be healthy! Long life! And if our good fortune never comes, Here's to whatever comes. Drink l'chaim, to life! AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! Za va, shas da rovia, Heaven bless you both! Nasdrovia! To your health ,and may we live together in peace. (Thank you) Za va, shas da rovia, heaven bless you both, Nasdrovia! To your health, and may we live together in peace. May you both be favored with the future of your choice! May you live to see a thousand reasons to rejoice! Za va, shas da rovia, heaven bless you both. Nasdrovia! To your health, and may we live together in peace!

My mum loved this film. She and i watched this every year. She has died now. I can't watch this without bawling my eyes out. In one respect, I'm glad she didn't live to see what is happening now." May god bless you, and may we live together in peace."

I love this song so much. If I ever get married, I want to play this song at my wedding! It is so fun to dance to. I love everybody’s singing voice and how it transitions from speaking to singing so smoothly! I love it it is so fun.

Norman Jewison, the most underrated movie director in Hollywood. Fiddler on the Roof, one of the best musicals ever made.

Such a poignant scene. I have always loved this scene. The two cultures just celebrating together. I like to believe the idea is that some things transcend cultural bias and racial prejudices, and in this scene we see that no matter what your back ground everyone can celebrate peace and happiness. And, for one brief moment they forgot the outside world and, they were all just men flawed and decent. Thank-you so much helleri2 for posting this.

This is one of my favourite scenes of all of cinema. A brief moment of peace between the two peoples (with the Jews rightfully suspicious of the Christians at first, hinting at past pogroms) and then they each see/learn the other's dances, and then finally dance together, each in their own style. How I wish it was always this peaceful...

I once heard a quote about musical theater that went something like this: "When people can no longer speak, they sing. And when they can no longer sing, they dance." This scene is an iconic example.

I like this song and this movie. I could see it thousand times again...

This is so iconic I absolutely love this song and I’m Italian and catholic 😂 it’s hora time after this

Peace is a delicate dance.

This is the fun thing about musicals. Watching a scene where two old men go to a bar and get drunk wouldn't be fun. But with this ditty, fun dances, and Topol's voice, this is an amazing.

I love the energy in the song and the scene.

i was in the orchestra for fiddler and i loved learning these songs

i have tears of happiness in my eyes of this scene… why cant we be like that?

this must have been so much fun to do this

This Scene always makes me cry I love the Comradeship in this number

I wish I was named Lazarwolf.

3:16-4:14 best part ! Who is that singer? The song is AMAZING! Can’t get enough 🤟🏻🇷🇺❤️❤️❤️

I love how Tevye toasts to himself at 1:59

No one will ever top Topol as Tevye.

I absolutely love this scene and that it's the Christians who extend their congratulations and hand first. Of course since they're the ruling power in town they can afford to be benevolent when the mood strikes I doubt Tevye would have received a warm welcome had he invited them over but who knows. I do love that the message of the scene is that people are more apt to get along than not despite nationality or religion. People all want the same things it doesn't matter who they are or where they are from and all should be afforded happiness and life.

The greatest moment in musical theater.

How did they pull off that dance routine with so many people and so much commotion in such a small space? It's a wonder there were no fatalities. Amazing scene all around. It's a bit cliche to say, but it is my favorite song in the entire film/play. When the brass comes in roaring @2:50 I get chills.

Saw this on Broadway in this 70's. It was amazing! Jan Peerce played Tevye.

I love the choreography of this scene! Also, I like the tunics that the younger guys are wearing in this scene, they remind me of Luke Skywalker's iconic outfit in the first "Star Wars" film (I find that very sexy)! The redheaded guy in particular is very handsome! 😍

So wonderful!!! so great!!!! it is a movie packed of detail of knowledge and so tender..... I love all the whole movie, It is incredible and this sonh id full of details very importants for culture and describes very well the cultures.

Thumbs up if you came here because you like the musical and not because of Sheldon Cooper.

my 15 year old son tobias loves this movie

Even when they are drunk these people can dance better than me.

Best song of the entire show, I'm doing this musical at my school right now as a matter of fact :D

Someone needs to make those Russian tunics a thing again.

love how the scene cuts off with the Russian officer toking it up. Amazing movie

It's pretty cool to see two COMPLETELY different cultures mix like this

Reflecting on this song and part of the whole musical as well as reading the other comments, this song makes a beautiful centerpiece to everything that goes right and wrong with the rest of the musical. The entire musical plays with the evolving and ever changing of times and the place of tradition and it's ability to be upheld but also malleable. No matter the differences, or changes or challenges between people as human beings, we must understand when we are truly closest to god and appreciating "LIFE" itself, all boundaries tend to come down. Nothing else really matters, Traditions and values are upheld through life and love alone, what makes us flawed is the human politics and expectations. Everyone in this piece is happy for the sheer fact that there is something to be happy about and for that life is celebrated and nothing else, and when that is done peace is attainable, a small outreach for what truly matters " Good Fortune and Long Life, whether it's good or bad" is what they celebrate and in that turn, it brings them closer together. It's only when reality and a push of ideals/differences of the real world bares down that makes things "complicated". There are challenges with all his daughters that go to challenge Tevye in his viewpoint of whats important, and those that threaten his core values the most get dealt with in the most realistic way they can be with how life outside celebration can be and it can be a lot. From Comedy to Tragedy, I think importantly it evolves the show into a more complex appreciation that life has many evolution and challenges it may change to, but with love and appreciation for life, it doesn't change who we are at our core, children of god.

Every time I watch this, I feel so bad for Lazar Wolff.

Best scene and musical ever!!!!!

I grew up with this. Thank God.

Probably the best use of the musical medium I’ve ever seen

I never saw this film. I never liked musicals. But this is beautiful. I came here because oh shalden but now I am definitely whatch the movie❤️

I love this scene. The music, singing and dancing are all impeccable,. like in many musicals of the era, but beneath the impeccable are the scene conveys the terror that the Jews feel dealing with the Russians. One wrong move can lead to Russian violence against the Jews, assault, better, burning Jewish home and even killing Jews. Ultimately even the ability of the local Russians to celebrate one Jewish wedding doesn't stop the Russian government from ordering an "incident" or ultimately expelling the Jews from their homes, and it's all foreshadowed here, in this tense yet lovable scene.

We're doing this at my school and I'm hoping for either Lazar Wolf or Tevye.

Live in peace ✌️ may you live a thousand 🙏 Reason to rejoice ❤

Yes, two different. Culture sharing the arts of music. A international language is music.

I like to believe that the director just told everyone to party, and they'd film it.

I knew this before Sheldon so I sang along with him.

I've performed In Fiddler On the Roof Three Times! 'L'Chaim!'

LOL! This comment had me in total stitches. Love it! Great. This is my fav part in the movie other than the "If I were a Rich Man" number. You just increased it. Thanks, clairinetchum!

My mom watched this when she met my dad in 2006 :)

The very best song and choreography in the movie!

The establishment hates this.

I was singing this at the top of my lungs in the ghetto earlier tonight

Who else was creeped out by Tevya in the beginning before the color sorted itself out? hehe ^_^"