Spirited, funny, and deeply affecting, 1971's Fiddler on the Roof is a successful adaptation of its stage counterpart. Topol makes the transition from the London stage production with ease, and the supporting performances are similarly strong. Most crucial, however, is the quality of the big set pieces: gorgeously staged and musically flawless, the joyous "Tradition" and the tear-inducing "Sunrise, Sunset" leap from the screen. Director Norman Jewison makes full use of the advantages of film; thanks to the rich, on-location scenery, the material doesn't feel as if it's been subjected to a quick big-screen makeover. Fiddler was a huge success -- it was the second highest-grossing movie of the year (after The Godfather) and took home Oscars for cinematography, sound, and score. Without a doubt, it's much more sentimental than the New Hollywood films that dominated the era, but it never hits a false note.