Fitzwilly

source: Fitzwilly

Trailer—Fitzwilly

Fitzwilly

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..

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.

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.

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?! END 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!

"Fitzwilly" has a special place for me, in that it was one of the first-ever movies that I saw in a theatre. When I saw it years later, it did not disappoint. What pleased me more was that it had cast members such as John McGiver and Sam Waterston. As a kid, I loved seeing Dick Van Dyke paired with Barbara Feldon, and their chemistry is fantastic. The movie may be too low-key for many people in the 21st century, but it is sheer fun just seeing this caper-comedy. It also has an added bonus of showing what New York City looked like in late 1966. It's clear that the exterior shots weren't just stock images, but actually shot at that time. Some of the movie shows its age, such as the gag involving free color television sets. In 1966-1967, they were still an expensive item and many households didn't have them. Same can be said, of course, for the smoking, which was still prevalent during that time. Nonetheless, the movie is always a joy to watch. Highly recommended!!!

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.

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!