In Manhattan's swanky Sutton Place, butler Dick Van Dyke (as Claude "Fitzwilly" Fitzwilliam) runs the brownstone owned by wealthy dowager Edith Evans (as Victoria "Miss Vicki" Woodworth). But the generous Ms. Evans hasn't a dime to her name. She doesn't know she's penniless, and Mr. Van Dyke robs from the rich to cover Evans' charitable contributions and keep her lifestyle accustomed. He thinks the shock of poverty would hasten the elderly woman's worldly exit. Into the situation walks beautiful graduate student Barbara Feldon (as Juliet Nowell), hired to help Evans write a dictionary...Fresh from Columbia University, Ms. Feldon proves to be too perceptive for the house. She smells a rat. But, when she's ready to squeal, Feldon finds herself falling in love...Credit the memorable TV series portrayals of Van Dyke in his "Dick Van Dyke Show" and Feldon in "Get Smart" for making their relationship in "Fitzwilly" look like adultery. The characters they play here are also a bore, when compared to "Rob Petrie" and "Agent 99" as partnered with Mary Tyler Moore and Don Adams.. Led by instantly likable TV treasure John McGiver (as Albert) - playing a defrocked reverend needing salvation - the supporting cast is terrific. The attempt to rob Gimbals department store on Christmas Eve, is engaging, but the bulk of the film needed to add more physical comedy.***** Fitzwilly (12/20/67) Delbert Mann ~ Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Feldon, Edith Evans, John McGiver

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.

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.

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!