7 Faces of Dr. Lao

1964 "Bolt the doors! Lock the windows! Dr. Lao's coming to town!"
7.1| 1h40m| NR| en
Details

An old Chinese man rides into the town of Abalone, Arizona and changes it forever, as the citizens see themselves reflected in the mirror of Lao's mysterious circus of mythical beasts.

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Reviews

Diagonaldi Very well executed
FirstWitch A movie that not only functions as a solid scarefest but a razor-sharp satire.
Mandeep Tyson The acting in this movie is really good.
Mathilde the Guild Although I seem to have had higher expectations than I thought, the movie is super entertaining.
ed-ryba If you've seen TV's "The Odd Couple" starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman and you think you know Tony Randall, BOY, have YOU got something to see!"The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao" is quite a showcase for the amazing talents of Mr. Randall, thanks to its Director, a man extremely well-versed in the techniques of True Movie Magic, the one and only George Pal. If Mr. Pal's name is not familiar to you, look up his Filmography on IMDb. One look at the films he either Directed, or was the Special Effects Master for, and you'll know what I mean.Since there are SO many user reviews for this film, I won't get into the intricacies of the plot and the other little things that happen in the film. But I will say that if you have NOT seen this movie, you are in for a real treat! Mr. Randall (who was a terrific guy when I met him at the old NBC studios in Beautiful Downtown Burbank, California - he was there for an appearance on The Flip Wilson Show - which shows you how long ago THAT was), plays quite a number of parts in "7 Faces", and you're likely not to recognize him in most of them, thanks to the deftly applied makeup of William Tuttle, and Randall's fine acting. These things and the exceptional Direction and effects of George Pal make for a great film. Personally, I find it hard to believe that "The 7 Faces Of Dr. Lao" was somehow NOT a huge hit. It certainly had every right to be when it played in theaters. MGM's Publicity and Advertising people at the time MUST have dropped the ball somewhere along the line. This was not a cheap movie to make. It was done LONG before computer effects, and the special effects in this film are nothing short of brilliant for their time - or ANY time - especially when you remember that they were ALL DONE BY HAND! If you get the chance, or you're a member of Amazon Prime, I highly recommend that you see this VERY well-made movie. It'll be worth your time and then some. And if you're not MADLY in love with the lovely Barbara Eden by the end of this movie, check yourself for a pulse!
LeonLouisRicci This is the most thought provoking and under seen George Pal Fantasy. It is one of those Gems that has fallen through the cracks of Time. But even in its initial release Audiences stayed away and Critics were not kind. These things are difficult to analyze. It is a fickle Movie going Public out there and one never knows.The Movie does not have the wide appeal that his other Hits like The Time Machine (1960), War of the Worlds (1953), and others. It is an introspective, Philosophical, and deep discussion on many Personal and Sociological traits that at times can be uncomfortable for some.This is a charming, well written, superbly mounted, surreal Movie that is sparse in its scope but vast in its ability to provoke and stimulate thought. It is thematically ahead of its time and is colorful and playful while unleashing insights and profound truths. Its attraction is the way it paradoxically fuses so many deep Subjects with such a lighthearted appeal.Tony Randall's excellent Performance in multiple roles, a Fantasy Template that will appeal to the Kid in everyone, and such an off kilter Film from the early Sixties that was frankly an Artistic Wasteland at the time, are some of the many reasons to seek this out and enjoy on so many levels. It truly has 7 Faces...at least.
Spikeopath 7 Faces of Dr. Lao is directed by George Pal and adapted to screenplay by Charles Beaumont from Charles G. Finney's book The Circus of Dr. Lao. It stars Tony Randall, Arthur O'Connell, John Ericson, Noah Beery Junior, Royal Dano and Barbara Eden. Music is by Leigh Harline and cinematography by Robert J. Bronner.The town of Abalone, Arizona, and the mysterious Dr. Lao (Randall) arrives announcing that his circus will be playing in Abalone for two nights only. The town is going through change and scheming rancher Clinton Stark (O'Connell) is suddenly trying to buy up all the land. Could Dr. Lao's arrival be connected? By the time this special circus is over all will be revealed and Abalone and its residents will never be the same again.I see your remaining days as a tedious collection of hours full of useless vanities.There aren't many fantasy/western hybrids out there, of the few there is, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao is the most enjoyable. Simple in plot, structure and message, picture brings to life a myriad of creatures and mythical beings as it plays out its sneaky satire with a backdrop of an old western town. These delightful "characters" come courtesy of make-up artist William Tuttle and special effects wizard Jim Danforth. With Tony Randall simply terrific in bringing all the human based ones to life.Even though it's wearing its light hearted outer shell on its sleeve, Pal's movie has dark moments of note. Particularly striking is one devastatingly sad sequence involving a shrewish middle aged woman and the fortune teller Appollonius. There's also a snatch of sexual repression by way of a meeting between the beautiful Barbara Eden and the energetic God, Pan. These are just a couple of the themes that are above a child's head but very much aimed at the watching adults.Some of it is a little creaky now and there are small irritants within. Dr. Lao the character comes dangerously close to being annoying at times with the overt Orientialism, and for what's it's worth The Abonimable Snowman creature may as well not exist as part of this circus since it serves no purpose. Fans of Finney's book are also likely to decry just how loose an adaptation this is. But for sheer entertainment value, and cross demographic appeal, it's mostly a film that brings rich rewards with each visit. 7.5/10
veena_pothunnah This is a wonderful film. I can't believe Tony Randall did not win an Oscar for it. He had so much talent and must have worked hard on this film. It's sad to know that those days for making this kind of film are long gone.The film makes you realise that the earth is a magical place and full of wonder.In a few words,it has more to say than any religion.The music score fits in well with the film.It tugs at the heart.When I first saw the film more than twenty-five years ago, it made such an impression on me and then I watched it again last night and I thought,if only the children of to-day would appreciate it.When will we get back the simplicity and enjoyment of this kind of entertainment.I wish the film had been given better recognition.