Quackser Fortune Has a Cousin in the Bronx (1970)
Before he was a world-famous chocolate magnate, Wilder delivered one of his most gentle and heartfelt performances in this quirky Dublin-set romance. He plays Quackser, a man who makes his living collecting horse manure for local gardeners. When cars
begin to replace horse-drawn carts, his livelihood is threatened, just as he falls for a sharp American student played by Margot Kidder. The performance is a masterclass in subtlety, showcasing Wilder’s sweet, innocent side without any of the manic energy he’d later become famous for. It’s a quiet, character-driven film that reveals the romantic lead lurking beneath the beloved comedian.
Start the Revolution Without Me (1970)
A madcap farce set during the French Revolution, this film gave Wilder the chance to play dual roles opposite Donald Sutherland, who does the same. They portray two sets of identical twins—one aristocratic, one peasant—who are accidentally swapped at birth and reunite amidst the chaos of the revolution. The film is a zany, Mel Brooks-esque comedy that relies heavily on slapstick and misunderstandings. For Wilder, it’s a showcase of his physical comedy and his ability to switch between the bumbling, good-natured peasant and the comically inept aristocrat. It's a wildly fun and often overlooked romp.
Rhinoceros (1974)
In the same year he made 'Blazing Saddles' and 'Young Frankenstein', Wilder starred in this film adaptation of Eugène Ionesco's absurdist play. He plays Stanley, a mild-mannered clerk who watches in horror as everyone around him, including his best friend (Zero Mostel), mysteriously transforms into a rhinoceros. The film is a bizarre, allegorical critique of conformity and totalitarianism. Wilder's performance is the anchor, moving from quirky comedy to genuine dramatic panic as he becomes the last human left. It’s a challenging, theatrical role that proves his incredible range beyond straightforward comedy.
The Adventure of Sherlock Holmes' Smarter Brother (1975)
Not content to just star, Wilder wrote and directed this comedic spin on the world of Sherlock Holmes. He plays Sigerson Holmes, Sherlock’s younger, resentful, and supposedly smarter brother who takes on a case with the help of colleagues played by Madeline Kahn and Marty Feldman. The film attempts to recreate the magic of the Mel Brooks troupe, blending slapstick, wordplay, and an affectionately silly plot. While opinions on its success vary, it’s an essential watch to see Wilder’s own creative sensibilities at work, controlling the vision from behind the camera for the first time.
The Little Prince (1974)
While this musical adaptation of the classic book is itself an oddity, Wilder’s brief but pivotal role as the Fox is unforgettable. In a film filled with big names like Bob Fosse and Richard Kiley, Wilder delivers a performance of quiet wisdom and profound sadness. He teaches the Prince about love and responsibility in a scene that captures the philosophical heart of the source material. Wilder himself considered it the best part in the film for him. His tender, yearning portrayal is a gut-punch of emotion that stands as one of the most moving and beautifully understated moments of his entire career.
