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.
Rod Steiger
as W. C. Fields
Valerie Perrine
as Carlotta Monti
John Marley
as Harry Bannerman, Studio Head
Jack Cassidy
as John Barrymore
Bernadette Peters
as Melody
Dana Elcar
as Dockstedter
Paul Stewart
as Florenz Ziegfeld
Billy Barty
as Ludwig
Allan Arbus
as Gregory LaCava
Milt Kamen
as Dave Chasen
Louis Zorich
as Gene Fowler
Andrew Parks
as Claude Fields
