Fitzwilly (1967)

Strong and Moving!

Lack of good storyline.

Fantastic!

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

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.

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.

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.

I first watched this movie just before Christmas 1994 and have seen it at least once a month since. To me it is a movie that is simple and pleasant,not violent or extreme, with few if any underlying themes/agenda, there are too many movies that concentrate on the spectacular, which are fine if you wish to watch stunt or body doubles for 50% of the show. Dick Van Dyke's character "Fitzwillie" is a gangster, as are the rest of his team (in the best possible way), he only deceives those that can afford to loose ensuring that his "surrogate Mother" lives the life to which she is accustomed. For anyone who has not had the opportunity to watch this movie, rent it, get a nice bottle of wine, some snacks and a comfortable seat and enjoy the type of movie that unfortunately is not made any longer and as it is made around the Christmas period, there is of course that Seasonal good feeling! Enjoy!