![]() 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. The Robin Hoods of the world are generally forgiven their larcenies as serving a greater good. 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. I assume the confusion is based on Van Dyke's many previous Disney movies. As a side note to a previous review, this film was not produced by the Disney Studios. Van Dyke's film career is often hit-or-miss, but, this is definitely a hit. 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. Dick Van Dyke is wonderful as the scheming, yet lovable Fitzwilly and he is matched by the beautiful and bright Barbara Feldon. It's these character ensembles that separate many of the classic comedies from the star vehicles of today. Too often, the film is built entirely around the lead actors, without gifted character actors to flesh out the scenes. It's these types of performers who are often missing from today's comedies. ![]() 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. They give consistently good performances in a variety of roles. 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. You may not recognize names like John McGiver, John Fiedler, or Noam Pitlik but, you probably know their faces. A neat film for those that love 1960's comedy and Dick Van Dyke.įitzwilly is one of the great caper-comedies from the 60's with a fine cast of outstanding character actors. Rated G and briskly paced, but a little talky for kids used to Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. 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. Van Dyke is perfectly cast as the butler thief with good intentions who would do anything to make the woman happy. 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. ![]() ![]() 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). 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. Van Dyke plays a sophisticated and proper butler. Dick Van Dyke comedy that relies more on sophisticated comedy than slapstick. ![]()
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