In 1920s New York City, W. C. Fields is a successful headlining entertainer, but when his girlfriend leaves him and his broker loses his money, Fields begins anew in California. Working at a wax museum, Fields eventually lands a film role that ascends him to stardom. Back in the limelight and palling around with John Barrymore and the like, Fields meets an aspiring actress Carlotta Monti at a party, with whom he forms a rocky relationship.
        
        
                
            Directed by:
                        Arthur Hiller                    
        
                
            Starring:
                        Rod Steiger,                        Valerie Perrine,                        John Marley,                        Jack Cassidy,                        Bernadette Peters,                        Dana Elcar