Fitzwilly

Fitzwilly is a charmingly delightful 1967 comedic drama that blends romance, humor, and engaging storytelling. Starring Hollywood greats like Dick Van Dyke, Barbara Feldon, and John McGiver, the film is a creative look into a world where the norms of morality are brushed aside for a seemingly noble cause.

Fitzwilly is directed by talented director Delbert Mann, renowned for his captivating storytelling style, and is written by Isobel Lennart, who has credits for numerous popular films. The plot of Fitzwilly cleverly navigates through intertwined stories of theft, familial loyalty, deception, and unexpected love, with the charismatic Dick Van Dyke at the helm.

Van Dyke stars as Claude Fitzwilliam, also fondly known as Fitzwilly, who is the loyal butler to elderly wealthy woman, Miss Victoria Woodworth (played by Edith Evans). Miss Woodworth is a woman bearing a warm personality and dignified stature but, unbeknownst to her, truly penniless, having long squandered her once vast family fortune. She still imagines herself as being rich and continues to donate generously to her favorite charities. To maintain this illusion of wealth, Fitzwilly, who is fiercely loyal to Miss Woodworth, has devised a series of elaborate schemes to swindle and steal from various places around the city.

Fitzwilly's team of household staff, all in on the deceptions, form a tightly knit group operating like a well-oiled machine on these capers. At times, Fitzwilly comes across as an uncanny blend of a doting butler and a crafty criminal mastermind, making the viewers wonder where his true loyalty lies - with honesty or the well-being of his naive employer.

The story takes a delightful turn with the arrival of Juliet Nowell, played by the charming Barbara Feldon. Juliet is Miss Woodworth’s newly hired secretary, who immediately starts being suspicious of Fitzwilly and his meticulous nature - she soon smells something fishy in the Woodworth household. Fitzwilly, on the other hand, gets smitten by Juliet's beauty and intelligence. This sudden infatuation further complicates matters as Fitzwilly starts to tread a delicate balance between preserving the secret of their regular larceny, and not driving her away.

The character development and relationships in Fitzwilly greatly contribute to the film's charm. With the unpredictable dynamic between Fitzwilly and Juliet forming the spine of the plot, the seemingly clashing personalities of characters create an engaging narrative which the viewers candidly root for.

The screenplay is agile, filled with sharp dialogue and, at times, refreshingly unexpected humor. The climatic arc involving a certain "Gimbel's Department Store" heist on Christmas Eve will leave viewers biting their nails, not only from suspense but also from humorous disbelief.

Dick Van Dyke, with his trademark charm and affable screen presence, showcases his acting prowess in the film. He effortlessly projects Fitzwilly's cunning mind while simultaneously capturing the character's unwavering loyalty and unexpected vulnerability. Barbara Feldon delivers a memorable performance as Juliet, reflecting the character's intelligence, curiosity, and warmth. The chemistry between Van Dyke and Feldon is on point, which makes for several heartwarming moments.

The film is set against the backdrop of New York City, beautifully brought to life through the cinematography of Joseph F. Biroc. The soundtrack by John Williams, a future multiple Academy Award winner, appears in one of his earlier film works, providing a perfect accompaniment to the narrative's varied moods.

In summary, Fitzwilly brilliantly explores the concept of right and wrong through a heartwarming tale filled with genuine moments of laughter, suspense, and adoration. With a notable cast delivering memorable performances and a storyline that keeps viewers hooked from beginning to end, it is a must-watch for any fan of classic Hollywood comedy-dramas. It truly is one of the most underrated gems of the late 1960s.