O Mordomo Trapaceiro

I was surprised by one review deeming it unethical. The butler was in the wrong though for unselfish reasons. The story both had romance (& like another reviewer I too had a crush on Barbara Feldon in my preteen 1960's years) and rebuke: she saw the butler's heart and insisted that he end his life of crime and help the old lady only through honest ways. Good heart & bad action was changed to good heart & good action, wasn't it. And it was great fun too. This is a film that I'm looking to get my hands on. Dick van Dyke has had some good films (eg Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), and this is one of his best.

This is one of those movies where you sit back, laugh and enjoy. For those who thought its morals were obscene really need to get a life. It was a fun movie with a fun plot all done with great actors. We need more movies like this. A timeless treasure.

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.

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.

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.