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<PAGE> PAGE 2
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<PAGE> PAGE 3
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<PAGE> PAGE 4
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<PAGE> PAGE 6
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SIGNATURE SHELDON CURTIS
TITLE VICE PRESIDENT
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
Dean Witter Capital Appreciation Fund
Annual NSAR 11/30/96
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000948777
<NAME> DEAN WITTER CAPITAL APPRECIATION FUND
<S> <C>
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