There's magic in the memories as great Disney moments are captured right here for you and your family to enjoy. Welcome to the world of Jack Albany -- New Yorker, struggling actor -- and art thief? He isn?t really, but whe... more »n a mobster kingpin with his eye on a priceless painting mistakes Albany for a famous West Coast gangster, Jack's earnest attempts to set the record straight only escalate his involvement in a daring museum robbery. Dick Van Dyke, Edward G. Robinson, and Dorothy Provine head a cast of crooks, molls, heroes, and half-wits in this fast-paced, laugh-packed comedy thriller!« less
"This is a nice little film that seems to be mostly forgotten by Disney fans or fans of Mr. Van Dyke. That's too bad, because the film is lots of fun, and gives Dick Van Dyke full range to showcase his physical comedy skills.
If you thought all there was to Van Dyke's physical comedy was tripping over an ottoman, you'll be able to see his full range here.
An actor mistaken for a crook, Van Dyke's character Jack Albany is taken to a gangster stronghold where a big art heist is being planned. Van Dyke is wonderful as the cowardly actor playing the part of a tough crook in order to stay alive.
Besides the great comedy of Van Dyke, we also have the added treat of Edward G. Robinson sending up his famous gangster image. An avowed art lover in real life, Robinson goes after a famous painting in the film, and even tries his hand at abstract art.
Also on hand are Slim Pickens, Henry Silva, and Jack Elam. Dorothy Provine ("That Darn Cat!") plays art instructor and love interest Sally Inwood.
On a side note, the director of the film, Jerry Paris, is probably best known as Rob and Laura Petrie's next door neighbor on "The Dick Van Dyke Show". Jerry cameos at the very end.
This is great little film, but I have to knock off one star simply because Disney was too cheap to include a commentary track with surviving cast members."
Fun Live Action Disney
Glenn M. Schoditsch | Richmond, Virginia USA | 06/05/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Well, in the hit and miss world of Disney live action DVD releases, it looks like we lucked out on this one. The ever so king of physical comedy, Dick Van Dyke, is presented here in this delightful comedy in its original aspect ratio of 1.75:1. As one viewer stated, buying Disney live action DVD's is like rolling dice. Looks like we have a winner on this one. Van Dyke scores a hit with his performance along with a delightful support cast of quality actors; Edward G. Robinson, Dorothy Provine, Jack Elam, Henry Silva and Slim Pickens along with several recognizable character actors. This DVD one not to be missed. But keep boycotting the "Black Bearded" releases and reward Disney when they bow to the wishes of the consumer."
Dick Van Dyke at his best !
h | United Kingdom | 06/08/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Dick Van Dyke plays an actor who gets mistaken for a gangster. And they want him to help them steal a painting, He try's escaping from the big house but something always goes wrong. He gets in to more trouble when the real gangster that he is supposed to be, turns up! Watching Dick Van Dyke playing a gangster is VERY funny. A film not to be missed!"
VERY good family movie!
Lana Frazier | Rocky Mountains | 02/09/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"We laughed along with this comedy mystery. An all star cast, this movie is an absolute keeper. Can't say much because I do not want to give it away, but if you like wholesome yet entertaining movies that are not filled with filth like so many are now, you will really like this!"
Mistaken identity comedy farce...
microjoe | 09/07/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Dick Van Dyke stars as struggling TV actor Jack, playing gangsters in hokey weekly series. In a case of mistake identity, a gang member picks up Jack on a street corner thinking he is the out of town hitman he is supposed to pick up for a big job. Taking him to the home of the mob boss, Jack tries to escape. When he realizes that discovery of his true identity means his death, Jack dives into the role of his life, literally. His mistaken identity cover-up is hilarious as he really seems to relish his role as a tough guy, even scaring the other real gangsters. Edward G. Robinson does a marvelous job playing a mob boss that would secretly prefer to be a painter and steals famous art for his own enjoyment instead of to sell. When the real hitman shows up, Jack has to convince the gang that HE is the phony, and stop the robbery. His love interest in the movie is well played by Dorothy Provine.
Disney Studios had high hopes for this film, starring one of their big name actors, and the film has its moments but was not a box office success. The scenes in the Art museum get a little tedious at the end but over all it is enjoyable, and there is some nice art as well. A.J. Carothers wrote the screenplay, after working on several other Disney projects such as "Miracle of the White stallions". The story is based on the book by John Godey. The Disney movie posters promoting the film had a tagline that said, "we're having such a wonderful crime...". Released theatrically on June 26, 1968. It appeared on "The Wonderful World of Disney" in 1979. It was released on video for the first time in 1985, and DVD for the first time in 2005.