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The 7 Faces of Dr Lao (1964) - Trailer Included
The 7 Faces of Dr Lao
Available on DVD in the U.S only.
Director:George Pal
Editor:George Tomasini
Make Up:William Tuttle
Starring:Tony Randall, Barbara Eden, John Doucette, Arthur O Connell, John Ericson, Argentina Brunetti
“The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it.” – Dr Lao
Cartoonist/Puppeteer/Producer /Director George Pal (The Time Machine, Tom Thumb, Atlantis, War of the Worlds) always embraced the spectacle of cinema. Constructing alternate universes by configuring in camera visual trickery with cutting edge stop motion animated FX.
7 Faces of Dr Lao marked the final film as Director for this movie pioneer who was a key developer in blending live action and stop motion, employing Ray Harryhaussen among others.
Based on the novel The Circus of Dr Lao, this philosophical fantasy is famous for its lead actor Tony Randall playing multiple roles. Portraying the internationally accented, oriental doctor and also the astounding selection of magical circus attractions include Merlin the magician, Apollonius of Tyana, Medusa, the giant serpent and Pan.
“This is the circus of Dr. Lao. We show you things that you don't know. Oh we spare no pains and we spare no dough, oh we want to give you one hell of a show. And youth may come and age may go, but no more circuses like this show.” – Dr Lao
Turning up in the western frontier township of Abalonia, Lao attempts to open the eyes of close minded bigots and greedy land owners looking to seize control of the naïve, but honest country folk.
“My specialty is wisdom. Do you know what wisdom is?” – Dr Lao
John Doe Says:
Abundant in life lessons this is a family film that blends elements of many genres (eg: horror, western, fantasy). Educating younger audiences and inspiring the imagination. Adults will enjoy the deeper meaning and the subversive attitudes towards mainstream ideals.
George Pal’s direction is unfaltering in telling its tale with pictures. Acknowledging the scripts cleverly conceited mythic characters that enlighten with poignant dialogue and sincere motivation. The screenplay works in a modern context because of its core addressing prejudice, ignorance, materialism and corporate evils.
Dazzling with its visual ingenuity the set design cluttered props cram the frame with shiny distractions, as it should be. The Giant Serpent and the Loch Ness monster in a bowl are both pre-CG wonders.
Originally intended for Peter Sellers (easy to see), the often over looked Tony Randall (Tv's The Odd Couple, Pillow Talk, The Mating Game, The Alphabet Murders) gets to showboat under pounds of William Tuttle make up as the mischievous guru’s 7 alternate faces. Having the time of his life with a Fu Man Chu type interpretation of the mystery man from the east that amuses. The Abominable Snowman suit may remind of an albino Morlock, but the eccentric Merlin stuck in a time that no longer appreciates his wizardry compensates. Medusa, Pan, Apollonius and The Giant Serpent also impress.
Barbara Eden as the uptight librarian who learns to loosen up in every way was a year away from becoming a household name in I Dream of Jeannie and at 30 looks smoking hot.
This sideshow attraction was the second film in John Doe and Bryn’s movie marathon last nite and appropriately was followed by Tod Browning’s Freaks, another great evening of challenging conventions.
The DVD: (Only available in the USA)
Transfer: Widescreen/Dolby Digital 2.0
Extras: Documentary on make up artist William Tuttle:King of Duplicators.
See The Trailer
Available on DVD in the U.S only.
U.S. DVD Cover
Editor:George Tomasini
Make Up:William Tuttle
Starring:Tony Randall, Barbara Eden, John Doucette, Arthur O Connell, John Ericson, Argentina Brunetti
“The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it.” – Dr Lao
Cartoonist/Puppeteer/Producer /Director George Pal (The Time Machine, Tom Thumb, Atlantis, War of the Worlds) always embraced the spectacle of cinema. Constructing alternate universes by configuring in camera visual trickery with cutting edge stop motion animated FX.
7 Faces of Dr Lao marked the final film as Director for this movie pioneer who was a key developer in blending live action and stop motion, employing Ray Harryhaussen among others.
Based on the novel The Circus of Dr Lao, this philosophical fantasy is famous for its lead actor Tony Randall playing multiple roles. Portraying the internationally accented, oriental doctor and also the astounding selection of magical circus attractions include Merlin the magician, Apollonius of Tyana, Medusa, the giant serpent and Pan.
“This is the circus of Dr. Lao. We show you things that you don't know. Oh we spare no pains and we spare no dough, oh we want to give you one hell of a show. And youth may come and age may go, but no more circuses like this show.” – Dr Lao
Turning up in the western frontier township of Abalonia, Lao attempts to open the eyes of close minded bigots and greedy land owners looking to seize control of the naïve, but honest country folk.
“My specialty is wisdom. Do you know what wisdom is?” – Dr Lao
2 of the recognisable 7 faces
John Doe Says:
Abundant in life lessons this is a family film that blends elements of many genres (eg: horror, western, fantasy). Educating younger audiences and inspiring the imagination. Adults will enjoy the deeper meaning and the subversive attitudes towards mainstream ideals.
George Pal’s direction is unfaltering in telling its tale with pictures. Acknowledging the scripts cleverly conceited mythic characters that enlighten with poignant dialogue and sincere motivation. The screenplay works in a modern context because of its core addressing prejudice, ignorance, materialism and corporate evils.
Dazzling with its visual ingenuity the set design cluttered props cram the frame with shiny distractions, as it should be. The Giant Serpent and the Loch Ness monster in a bowl are both pre-CG wonders.
Originally intended for Peter Sellers (easy to see), the often over looked Tony Randall (Tv's The Odd Couple, Pillow Talk, The Mating Game, The Alphabet Murders) gets to showboat under pounds of William Tuttle make up as the mischievous guru’s 7 alternate faces. Having the time of his life with a Fu Man Chu type interpretation of the mystery man from the east that amuses. The Abominable Snowman suit may remind of an albino Morlock, but the eccentric Merlin stuck in a time that no longer appreciates his wizardry compensates. Medusa, Pan, Apollonius and The Giant Serpent also impress.
Barbara Eden as the uptight librarian who learns to loosen up in every way was a year away from becoming a household name in I Dream of Jeannie and at 30 looks smoking hot.
This sideshow attraction was the second film in John Doe and Bryn’s movie marathon last nite and appropriately was followed by Tod Browning’s Freaks, another great evening of challenging conventions.
The DVD: (Only available in the USA)
Transfer: Widescreen/Dolby Digital 2.0
Extras: Documentary on make up artist William Tuttle:King of Duplicators.
See The Trailer
Tony Randall before he became a sap.
He was once a very good actor with huge potential.
7 faces exhibited his acting abilities without fault.
Love the Pan scene and Nessy.
Film & TV on DVD
very cool you recall this one, it stands up well as escapist entertainment. Tremendous storytelling and ingenious, of their time effects.
The Pan scene seems to get more erotic the older I get, Barbara getting all hot and bothered.
Horrorphile
But I digress.
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The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
I loved this one when I was a kid..loved the general atmosphere, and Randall was incredible. In fact, until I saw the medusa picture just now I hadn't realized that was Randall too!!!
Film & TV on DVD
Miss Eden in a bottle me thinks.
Hi Damo,
We were just talking 5000 fingers of DR T the other night, great fun....the Invisible Boy also...this is the place to digress, we are all fans here.
Hi Cib,
This is actually one of my all time faves with its horror elements and wiz bang stop motion FX it slipped into the marathon because we hadn't seen it in ages and i had a copy.
Hi D,
Our Wednesday marathon is turning into a regular thing, shame your in the US.....knew you would dig the film.
Postmodern Critic
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
L.A.M.P.
Oh well....