W.C. Fields—now there’s a name that still carries weight in the world of classic comedy. A legendary figure, W.C. Fields was far more than just an actor or a comedian; he was a full-blown character, both on and off the screen. Known widely as a sharp-tongued gambler and card-shark, W.C. Fields had a reputation that followed him like smoke from his ever-present cigar. He loved his gin, that much is certain, and famously couldn’t stand children—a trait that became part of the W.C. Fields persona audiences both mocked and secretly admired. But beyond the surface, W.C. Fields was also a pool hustler with uncanny skill, a talented juggler, and, in many ways, a regular guy just trying to survive life’s absurdities.
Sure, some of the stories about W.C. Fields were exaggerated, even staged for effect—part of the carefully crafted act. Yet beneath the theatrics, there was truth. With his bulbous nose, lazy drawl, and cynical smirk, W.C. Fields wasn’t just playing a role—he was revealing something real. While Charlie Chaplin pulled at our heartstrings and made us weep, while Buster Keaton left us stunned with his death-defying stunts, and the Marx Brothers turned social norms upside down with chaotic brilliance, W.C. Fields did something different. He spoke directly to the hidden parts of us—the dark desires we don’t talk about, the quiet wish to be a little mean, just once, and get away with it. And when W.C. Fields did exactly that—scheming, lying, cheating, yet always coming out on top—we laughed. Not because it was right, but because it felt familiar.
In truth, W.C. Fields represented the part of human nature we’d rather ignore. He was selfish, cunning, and unapologetically flawed—and that’s why people connected with him. Audiences would never admit it aloud, but deep down, they saw themselves in W.C. Fields. That’s the legacy of W.C. Fields: not just a comic genius, but a mirror held up to our secret selves.
When it comes to W.C. Fields, his career in film showcased a wide range of performances, but one standout moment came with David Copperfield in 1935—this particular movie is widely regarded as the highest rated film associated with W.C. Fields. It’s clear that his role in this classic adaptation left a strong impression on both critics and audiences alike. On the other end of the spectrum, W.C. Fields also appeared in Alice in Wonderland back in 1933, which, despite its imaginative premise, turned out to be his lowest rated film. So, while W.C. Fields brought humor and charm to many roles, it’s evident that not every project resonated equally. Still, looking at W.C. Fields’s filmography, these two titles mark the high and low points in terms of critical reception.