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..

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 plotI 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?!ENDHere 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!

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.

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.