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Dick Van Dyke is the title character and 'Fitzwilly' is the affectionate way folks refer to Claude Fitzwilliam. He's the perfect butler and very devoted to his lady. However, she doesn't realize that she's apparently broke and in order to continue living her lifestyle, Fitzwilly and the other servants perform capers!! However, their next one is going to be tough, as Juliet (Barbara Feldon) was just hired by the mistress and this newcomer doesn't realize the staff are a bunch of thieves...so much of the film consists of the gang trying to keep her busy and away from their planning. However, when she does discover their plans, she isn't against this! So what's next? See the caper film yourself and see.

This is a very amiable caper picture. While it's not a classic like "Rififi", director Delbert Mann and the cast do a nice job. Additionally, the ending offers a nice surprise and the film is worth your time.

By the way, if you do see this, look for a very young Sam Waterston in a small role as one of the thieves.

But that is the theme of this most unusual Christmas movie that is a Christmas movie more because of the spirit of the thing than the time of year in which it is set.

Dick Van Dyke, in probably his best screen role, plays Claude R. Fitzwilliam, Fitzwilly for short, butler to Miss Vicky (Edith Evans). He is head of the household servants and they all act as thieves for him, running a series of con games and out and out brazen thefts all so that their beloved employer Miss Vicky will think that she is still wealthy and can live out the rest of her life in the manner to which she is accustomed. The fact is that when her father died she was left the whopping total of 180 dollars. Dad was flat broke. Fitzwilly runs this operation with military precision, aware that if Miss Vicky ever found out she would demand that they all return the money, which they cannot. You see, Miss Vicky's servants are not the only generous people in this film - albeit with other people's money - Miss Vicky is too, always giving away her money to charities. She just can't seem to say no. Now Fitzwilly usually apprehends her checks when the mail goes out, but occasionally a check will get through. This assures that they are continuously operating while teetering on bankruptcy.

And then an outsider intrudes into Fitzwilly's well oiled machine. Miss Vicki has decided to employ a secretary, Juliet Nowell (Barbara Feldon), to help her with her alternative dictionary that shows all of the ways that each word can be spelled incorrectly. This dictionary was Fitzwilly's idea to keep Miss Vicky busy, but now it has blown up in his face as this secretary begins snooping around and asking questions about the goings on in the mansion.

What is so great about this film is that there really are no bad guys. Everybody has good motives. Miss Vicki is a philanthropist with no money, her servants could easily land jobs doing less for more without the worry of being incarcerated, and Miss Nowell is suspicious that these servants are stealing from their employer.

I've never seen anything quite like it and I highly recommend it. It truly has the Christmas spirit.

Dick Van Dyke plays the title role in this gentle comedy about the staff of an eccentric old woman who thinks herself far richer than she is. Dame Edith Evans's money disappeared a long time ago, but she's such a grand old girl that no one can tell her otherwise. So she dispenses checks as a leading philanthropist while Van Dyke and her entire household staff have become experts at pulling heists to pay her to the manor born style of living. Not incidentally as a side benefit, they live pretty good too.

It all might fall apart though when Barbara Feldon is hired as a secretary to help with one of Evans's projects, Dictionary For Dummies. Staff always gets cleared through Van Dyke as the butler. He's thrown for a loss. Equally Feldon gets suspicious of strange things going on.

Van Dyke and Feldon have a good chemistry going with them. Evans is properly dotty as the role calls for. Best in the supporting cast as John McGiver as one of the servants who is a former minister. He needs reassurance from Scripture every time the crew pulls a heist.

There's a hilarious final caper during Christmas shopping season at Gimbels which as we know is no more in New York City. I guess someone decided that Gimbels needed a cinema advertiser the way Miracle On 34th Street is for Macy's.

After 50 years Fitzwilly still holds up quite well.

Dick Van Dyke comedy that relies more on sophisticated comedy than slapstick. Van Dyke plays a sophisticated and proper butler. The old woman he works for is penniless but he keeps this from her allowing her to believe that she is rich and can give thousands of dollars to charities, which she does. The butler is also quite an educated brain and forms the household staff into a Robin Hood band which steals from the rich (namely insurance companies paying off department store thefts) to give to the old woman who in turn turns it over to the charities (minus household expenses). It is all rather organized and quite reminiscent in many ways to the butler role in "Candleshoe" and the gang in "Who's Minding the Mint," without the slapstick. Van Dyke is perfectly cast as the butler thief with good intentions who would do anything to make the woman happy. Barbara Feldon (99 of "Get Smart") arrives as the new secretary upsetting both the criminal acts and the private world of Van Dyke who seemingly for the first time gathers a love interest for someone besides the old woman. Rated G and briskly paced, but a little talky for kids used to Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. A neat film for those that love 1960's comedy and Dick Van Dyke.

The incredibly rich, old-money Edith Evans hires Barbara Feldon as a secretary to help her write her proposed dictionary for people who cannot spell. This is despite the obvious disapproval of Miss Evans' butler, Dick Van Dyke. The reason will become clear later: Dame Edith is not rich, she is broke, and her style of living and innumerable charities are supported by the thefts of her loyal staff.

It's one of the amiable comedy capers of the 1960s, of which I am inordinately fond, despite their frequently mechanical execution. They featured excellent casts, who each got to do some shtick. Van Dyke is very good here, showing some versatility. Other talent includes John McGiver, John Fielder, Cecil Kellaway, and Sam Waterston in his second movie. You also got to see some of the great New York department stores, like Gimbels and Altman, now sadly gone. It's a pleasant way to spend 100 minutes.

In this silly sixties flick, Dick Van Dyke is the butler to the wealthy Edith Evans-only she's not very wealthy. The truth is, she's practically broke. But, to keep his beloved mistress living in luxury, Dick and the rest of the household staff, including John McGiver and Sam Waterston, pull cons and robberies. When a new secretary, Barbara Feldon, is hired, will she ruin all their schemes?

Without Dick Van Dyke, the film would be pretty flat. He's easy to root for, even though he's a criminal, and his usual enthusiastic energy gives the film just enough pizazz to keep audiences interested. Barbara Feldon is a little annoying, so I couldn't understand why the other characters liked her so much. Still, the script is pretty clever and even gets complicated at times, and John Williams's music is cute and fitting, so if you like Dick Van Dyke movies, check out this well-intentioned heist film on a rainy afternoon or during Christmastime, since one of their con jobs takes place during the holiday. As a funny side note, I had never seen Barbara Feldon before, but I recognized her voice from the cartoon The Bear Who Slept Through Christmas. I'd also "heard" Dick Van Dyke before I first saw him, narrating the holiday favorite The Town Santa Forgot.

Fitzwilly is a movie with a premise that I've never seen before. We have a group of servants who steal from stores to keep their employer from realizing she's poor. It's an interesting way of making us think that the criminal activity of our protagonist is justified. I was somewhat on the fence with how much leeway I was willing to give them, because it did feel like they were being a little too shady. As if the movie was reading my mind they tried to further ease my worry by assuring the audience that the majority of the money will be paid back to the stores by insurance companies, so no one gets hurt. I don't know how much I buy that, but I was still having fun with the film. It's made a little extra enjoyable because there is that looming threat of being discovered by an interloper in the household.

I am completely on board for a good romantic comedy, particularly between an unlikely pair, but I don't know if they did enough to sell the relationship here. It doesn't feel like we have two people that find their way to love, but instead two people that just flip a switch to go from acquaintance to engaged in about 15 minutes. It didn't irritate me, but it was an underwhelming element that I thought would improve the movie if it worked better. There's plenty that I struggled with in this film, including the weird idea of a dictionary that tells a story (that just baffled me,) but it was still a movie that I found worthwhile. It's entertaining when it needs to be, and has some humorous robbery plots cooked up by the main character. Fitzwilly is far from a masterpiece, but it's a relatively good family film that I wouldn't mind watching again.

First, let me just point out to one reviewer (bop pop, or something like that) that Fitzwilly is NOT a Disney film, so if you find it immoral, well, don't blame them.

Secondly, it IS just a movie, and considering some of the horrible junk that has been brought out by Hollywood over the years- some of which was intended for children, some not- it's hard to even think of this charming, little film as immoral, disgusting or anything else.

I initially sought out this movie- and bought it before seeing it- simply because I'm a huge "Get Smart" fan, and therefore, adore Barbara Feldon. I've read a few of the male reviewers saying they had big crushes on her. I didn't get to witness this miracle comedy until my late teens during the early 90s when Nick @ Nite began showing it, but as a young woman, Barbara Feldon became an iconic role model to me- and to many others I know.

After viewing this movie, I was thankfully not disappointed, which sometimes can happen when you watch or buy a film simply because someone you like from another show is in it. Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Feldon had wonderful chemistry. There were also quite a few supporting roles played by sometimes veteran character actors and some just starting out (including a very young Sam Waterston- before his incredible "Law & Order" days).

The humor was witty and sweet, and the premise was (and I think most people should know this) not to be taken seriously. I think we all know it's wrong to steal or to lie or to break the law, but there are quite a few films that create heroes out of anti-heroes and most people aren't complaining about them. (For instances here are a few I pulled off the top of my head- "Chicago", where the main characters are murderers, dishonest lawyers and bribe taking wardens; "Thelma & Louise", where two women start out on a fun trip, but through unfortunate circumstances, become outlaws on the run; and even "Pirates of the Caribbean", where the audience is rooting for Jack Sparrow, a fun-loving guy with a good heart, but who is, after all, still a pirate.) Some have said this is a children's movie. I certainly think it's safe for a child to watch it, but sometimes the subtle humor might go over their heads. I think it's just a fun, lovely movie, with wonderful actors, having a good laugh, and creating an enjoyable couple of hours.

Claude Fitzwilliam (Dick Van Dyke) is the butler to heiress Miss Victoria Woodworth (Edith Evans). She had exhausted her family fortune long ago. Fitzwilly has been maintaining the mythical wealth by leading the staff on various thefts and swindles. They are in danger of being exposed when Miss Vicki hires new secretary Juliet Nowell (Barbara Feldon).

Fitzwilly and Juliet need to develop more chemistry. The premise makes it harder for them to hang out and talk freely. That's probably the issue. It makes the romance rather flat. They don't generate heat because they're faking it. She's also leaning too hard on the librarian look. It needs to be something where she can let down her hair. The premise should be funnier but somehow it's not. It's too bad since I really like the premise. It would be helpful to have fewer minions so that each one can have more screen time. It would also help to give each minion a back story where Miss Vicki's kindness inspire them to do their work.

Dick Van Dyke plays head butler to New York society matron Edith Evans. She's actually penniless but doesn't know it; he leads a merry band of thieves whose main task is to keep Evans from giving away money she hasn't got--and to keep her living in style. The exposition at the start of the movie is immediately wearing (we know what's going on before the filmmakers are finished explaining, and the continual set-ups are not only redundant but less and less interesting). Barbara Feldon (looking, especially in her glasses, like Liza Minnelli in "The Sterile Cuckoo") plays a secretary hired from the outside who may help or hinder the plans, but she too is given such a lengthy introduction, we know more about her than is necessary. The script isn't witless or colorless, but it is definitely dry, with opportunities for big laughs that simply do not arrive. Van Dyke keeps whatever interest there is going, but this vehicle for him is extremely mild, exceptionally mundane, and filled with a kind of Jolly Roger merriment that doesn't translate to the viewer. Everyone on-screen seems to be having a high time, but the results are so heavy, and so obvious, that the end result is rather depressing. *1/2 from ****

When people ask me my favorite Christmas movies, I include "White Christmas," the George C. Scott "Christmas Carol" and "Fitzwilly." The latter film usually brings a perplexed response. In fact, much of the film takes place during the holidays, and the climax (if I remember correctly), occurs on Christmas Eve. This film has been a favorite since my childhood, and I'm disappointed that it doesn't get more TV airings during the holiday season.

Fitzwilly is a quaint entertainment of the old school, it more resembles the parlor comedies that Cary Grant used to specialize in from the 1930s and 40s. It's light, charming and utterly preposterous, as movies of that era often were, and on that level, it succeeds. It's not howlingly funny, nor does it try to be. The actors are well-cast for this type of lightweight material, as so many of them are familiar faces from TV - Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Feldon, John Fielder, Norman Fell, Noam Pitlik, etc. Yet it doesn't feel like an extended TV show. If they don't exactly levitate the material, at least they keep it sincere enough that it doesn't become embarrassing. Van Dyke plays his butler-criminal mastermind role about as well as you can play it; he's fully in control, projecting the right amount of stodgy authority without ever being arrogant or grotesque. It's a movie with both feet planted firmly in 1937, not 1967. For whatever that's worth, it's a triumph.

The first hour of this movie is frightfully boring, up till the big ending there really isn't much to see.

Now I was expecting a lot since Dick Van Dyke was in it, but honestly NONE of his great comic talents were showcased in this movie! No slapstick or funny face or anything, it's like watching Donald O'Connor playing a John Garfield role! What's the point of having Dick Van Dyke?? Fred Macmurray would have been plenty for this role. Dick does look smashing in a tux but that's about it.

I was also excited because he's partnering with the lovely Barbara Feldon, however their romance makes no sense to me, neither was there any funny scenes between them.

Even though it has a great premise, as a comedy it is barely funny at all, and it's also too long. As for organized crime it's not really clever enough, more "hanky panky" than "Grand Budapest". I could picture a way better version of this story, starring Cary Grant probably..

Fitzwilly is one of the great caper-comedies from the 60's with a fine cast of outstanding character actors. You may not recognize names like John McGiver, John Fiedler, or Noam Pitlik; but, you probably know their faces. The great comedies of the 50's, 60's and 70's were filled by actors like these who, although not well known to the public, were well known amongst their peers. They give consistently good performances in a variety of roles. I knew Pitlik's name mostly from the credits of the "Barney Miller" tv series, but I've seen him on dozens of tv shows and movies from the 60's and 70's. It's these types of performers who are often missing from today's comedies. Too often, the film is built entirely around the lead actors, without gifted character actors to flesh out the scenes. It's these character ensembles that separate many of the classic comedies from the star vehicles of today.

Dick Van Dyke is wonderful as the scheming, yet lovable Fitzwilly and he is matched by the beautiful and bright Barbara Feldon. I had a huge crush on her as a child, dating from her role as "99" on "Get Smart." She exudes warmth, charm, intelligence, and a sense of fun. Together, they make a great couple. Van Dyke's film career is often hit-or-miss, but, this is definitely a hit.

As a side note to a previous review, this film was not produced by the Disney Studios. I assume the confusion is based on Van Dyke's many previous Disney movies. As far as morality goes, the people who were being hurt by the scams were mainly faceless corporations; an easy target for the general public to forgive. The Robin Hoods of the world are generally forgiven their larcenies as serving a greater good. Since it is established that Miss Vickie is very generous with her money, we can forgive the robbing-the-rich because it does, mostly, end up with the poor. Anyone who has ever grumbled about store prices is likely to forgive someone who "sticks it" to the companies who "rob" their customers. Yes, it's not that simple in the real world; but, this is a movie, after all.

I am able to separate now from then, and in doing so appreciated this film for the comedy it is. Dick Van Dyk plays Claude R. Fitzwilliam aka Fitzwilly, the beloved butler to a true New York blue blood the elderly Victoria Woodworth. The problem is "Miss Vicki" has gone through her inheritance from her father long ago and Fitzwilly, with the help of the rest of the staff, is pulling off some very creative cons in order to keep her in the life she is accustomed to...including covering all of her random donations to charities that tend to be very generous.

The staff has quite a few elaborate scams being directed by Fitzwilly, most of which involve robbing the rich or the large department store Gimbal's. I am not sure that I approve of the cons...I appreciate the sentiment of wanting to protect a sweet old lady, but I do not approve of stealing from others so this one oblivious uber-rich lady can continue to live a lavish lifestyle.

The comedy really involves all of the balls that Fitzwilly is juggling to keep all of these cons in play. Loaded with wild shenanigans the cast is what truly makes this film. There are so many wonderful comedic and character actors...John McGiver, Norman Fell, a young Sam Waterson...and the list goes on. Edith Evan's is a true scene stealer as Miss Vicki, she makes it hard not to absolutely be charmed by her.

This crazy scheme comes under threat when Miss Vicki hires an outsider played by Barbara Feldon, to be her secretary and help her write her dictionary for people who can't spell. Juliet requires some interesting handling, but eventually becomes wise to the scams going on around her.

I think fans of Dick Van Dyke will love this film and if taken not too seriously it is a hoot, slapstick at it's finest.

Fitzwilly without a doubt is one of the BEST Dick Van Dyke movies ever made. It is sleek, elegant and has a sophisticated brand of comedy that has become an almost extinct breed. The story moves along at a fast clip, with just enough suspense that you wonder what will happen next at the same time you are laughing hysterically and a touching romance to boot! Although kids could watch this movie and get some laughs out of the few sight gags, it's unlikely that many would understand the more subtle dry humour that reigns throughout; still this is a movie that can be watched and enjoyed by the whole family! I am eagerly looking for a DVD release!

I love tame little 1960s movies, but this was just a mess.

The plot, simple as it is,i.e. rich lady's staff stays on even though rich lady is bankrupt, doesn't make sense until about 30 minutes in, and barely even then. (I'm still puzzled about the thrift store in Philadelphia angle.) Dick Van Dyke's character and Barbara Feldon's character initially don't like one another, but by their third meeting -- their THIRD meeting -- they're suddenly in love and getting married. And the ending... If someday TCM has a program called 'Film History's Most Implausible Endings' Fitzwilly will definitely get a nod.

The only upside here is that performances are pretty good, plus you get to see a very young Sam Waterston.

I'm guessing this was rushed into the theaters because in 1967 anything with Dick Van Dyke in it couldn't help but be a hit.

This is one of the best comedy films I have ever seen. It really lifts my spirits when I am down. Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Feldon were great as well as having an excellent supporting cast. Of course the whole premise of the film is preposterous. Sooner or later Fitzwilly and crew would have been caught. But then I don't think being realistic makes for a very good comedy. As far as the comments one individual made about the film being "immoral" I will say that the film was never intended to be taken seriously. If it were to be taken seriously it would be a drama and not a comedy. Besides, Fitzwilly didn't steal to get rich or amass a fortune, but rather to support Miss Vicky out of gratitude for her kindness to him. Besides, Juliet reformed him in the end. Furthermore Fitzwilly only stole from the rich. The government and the rich steal from the average person every single day! In addition, the user who commented that it was Miss Vicky's father and not her husband who died and left her penniless was correct.

For reasons you will discover when watching the film, this used to be shown every Christmas on TV. I think the word which perhaps describes it best is, "cute". If you enjoy other lighthearted 60's comedies, you should like this one also. It's a shame this is still available only on VHS pan-and-scan, but it doesn't distract from the plot

I noticed Turner Classic Movies is showing it Dec. 22, 2005. Perhaps they show it every year, I don't know. So if you want to see it in its original wide screen version, all you need is basic cable. Otherwise, you're stuck with this old tape. Does anybody really use VHS anymore?!

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Here is some extra text so my review comes up to the required 10 lines. Personally, I prefer shorter reviews. I don't want to know all about a movie before I see it, just a clue of whether or not I would enjoy watching it. I think the less you know of a movie beforehand the more enjoyment is retained! Well, that should about make the required 10 lines!

I saw this movie in the theater when it first came out. Yes, I'm that old. The theater was full and it was the holiday. Strangely, not one laugh was heard during the entire movie. It was flat, unfunny and dull, dull, dull. Maybe I missed something at that time, so 15 years later, when it was on television I watched it again. It still wasn't funny. Sorry folks, but this is just a bad movie. John Cheevers was the only actor who got a smile out of me. I would give it a zero if the vote scale would let me. As for the morality issue. The clever servant helping the befuddled master has been a common theme for centuries. (The Barber of Seville). So don't get your panties in a twist over the plot.

It was great to see Fitzwilly again last nite on cable. I saw the movie when it came out and liked it, yet it received no accolades or attention whatsoever. I remember being pleasantly surprised by the movie and the performances of Dick Van Dyke and Barbara Feldon. They had been regarded by me as lightweights who would forever appear in silly kids' shows or dumb sitcoms. Wrong on both counts for both actors. Fitzwilly also is interesting for the all-star lineup of the best character actors of that day in every supporting role from top to bottom. I hope this movie will continue to be shown, even if it is limited to the Christmas tie-in. Possibly because of the "career change" aspect of the lead actors, I thought this movie was an early Disney venture away from kiddie entertainment. If any commenters have info on that I hope they will respond.