Fitzwilly
Fitzwilly is a 1967 American romantic comedy film directed by Delbert Mann and written by Isobel Lennart, based on the 1960 novel A Garden of Cucumbers by Poyntz Tyler.[1][2] The story centers on Claude R. Fitzwilliam, nicknamed Fitzwilly, a loyal butler played by Dick Van Dyke, who leads the household staff in elaborate thefts and cons to preserve the illusion of wealth for his eccentric, philanthropic employer, Victoria Woodworth (Edith Evans), after her fortune dwindles to just $180.[3] Complications arise when a new secretary, Juliet Nowell (Barbara Feldon), joins the household and begins to uncover the scheme, leading to romantic and chaotic developments.[1] Produced by Walter Mirisch for the Mirisch Corporation and released on December 20, 1967, the film runs 102 minutes and blends caper elements with holiday-themed antics, including a climactic disruption at Gimbels department store on Christmas Eve.[1][4] Supporting roles feature John McGiver as the family lawyer and John Fiedler as a timid accomplice, contributing to the ensemble's comedic dynamics.[3] The score was composed by Johnny Williams (later John Williams), with the theme song "Make Me Rainbows" featuring lyrics by Alan and Marilyn Bergman.[2] Critically received as a lighthearted family comedy, Fitzwilly earned praise for Van Dyke's charismatic performance and its witty take on Robin Hood-inspired larceny, though it was not a major box-office success.[4] The film highlights themes of loyalty, deception, and generosity, set against a backdrop of 1960s New York City affluence.[1]Synopsis and cast
Plot
Claude Fitzwilliam, the resourceful butler known as Fitzwilly, serves the elderly philanthropist Miss Victoria Woodworth in her opulent New York City brownstone, maintaining the illusion of her vast wealth despite her actual inheritance of just $180 after her family fortune has been depleted by estate taxes.[5] To sustain Miss Woodworth's generous charitable donations and lavish lifestyle, Fitzwilly leads the household staff—including the cook Poopdeck, the valet Buck, and the footman Albert—in a series of meticulously planned petty thefts from high-end stores, adhering to a strict code of honor that limits their targets to wealthy corporations rather than individuals.[6] These operations rely on clever alibis, such as staging thefts during Miss Woodworth's dictation sessions for her unusual project: a dictionary compiling common phonetic misspellings of words.[4] The scheme faces disruption when Fitzwilly hires Juliet Nowell, a bright Columbia University graduate student, as Miss Woodworth's part-time secretary to assist with the dictionary. Juliet quickly notices inconsistencies, such as deliberate errors in the dictation that provide cover for the staff's outings, and begins inadvertently thwarting minor thefts, heightening tensions within the household.[5] Fitzwilly attempts to court Juliet romantically to encourage her resignation and protect the operation, but their feigned relationship blossoms into genuine affection, complicating his loyalties as Juliet grows suspicious of the criminal activities funding Miss Woodworth's unwitting philanthropy—donations to causes like the St. Dismas Home for the Aged that ironically benefit the needy through ill-gotten gains.[6] As Christmas approaches, a looming $190,000 shortfall from an oversized charitable pledge forces Fitzwilly to escalate the operation into "Get Out While You're Ahead," a daring heist at Gimbel's department store on Christmas Eve. The staff infiltrates the bustling store disguised as holiday figures—including Santas, elves, and even involving Cub Scouts and shoppers—creating diversions like escalator malfunctions and chaotic crowds to swap price tags, pilfer merchandise, and load trucks with valuables worth the required sum.[4] The plan nearly succeeds amid the frenzy, but Albert is caught by store detectives and confesses the entire scheme to the police, leading to the arrest of the household staff.[5] In a tense courtroom-like confrontation at the police station, Miss Woodworth arrives unaware of the full truth and, leveraging her perceived wealth, offers a $190,000 check to cover the stolen goods—unwittingly revealing the operation's insurance coverage that makes the theft a victimless crime.[6] The crisis resolves dramatically when a Hollywood producer, impressed by samples of Miss Woodworth's quirky dictionary, purchases it as the basis for a screenplay for $500,000, providing a legitimate fortune that secures the household's future, clears the staff's names with suspended sentences, and allows Fitzwilly and Juliet to announce their engagement.[4]Cast
The cast of Fitzwilly features an ensemble of character actors portraying the quirky household staff and key associates of the central figures, contributing to the film's comedic caper tone through their collective ingenuity and camaraderie.[5]| Actor | Role | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Dick Van Dyke | Claude R. Fitzwilliam | The loyal and resourceful butler who serves as the mastermind leading the household staff in their efforts to maintain their employer's lifestyle.[7][2] |
| Barbara Feldon | Juliet Nowell | The intelligent new secretary hired for the household, who develops a romantic connection with Fitzwilliam; this marked Feldon's first credited feature film role following her breakout as Agent 99 on the television series Get Smart.[7][2] |
| John McGiver | Albert | The guilt-prone footman and household member who assists in the thefts but is eventually caught.[8][5] |
| Edith Evans | Miss Victoria Woodworth | The eccentric elderly employer around whom the devoted staff revolves, unaware of their behind-the-scenes maneuvers.[7][5] |
| Harry Townes | Mr. Nowell | Juliet's father, involved in the periphery of the household's affairs.[9][8] |
| Sam Waterston | Oliver | A young member of the household staff assisting in daily operations; this was one of Waterston's early feature film appearances.[10][5] |
| Cecil Kellaway | Buckmaster | An experienced household servant contributing to the team's coordinated efforts.[8][7] |
| Norman Fell | Oberblatz | A security agent at a major department store who interacts with the household's activities.[8] |