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.

• Universal Pictures
• Rod Steiger
• Valerie Perrine
• John Marley
• Jack Cassidy
• Bernadette Peters
• Dana Elcar
• Paul Stewart
• Billy Barty