7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)

Simply Perfect

best movie i've ever seen.

it is finally so absorbing because it plays like a lyrical road odyssey that’s also a detective story.

At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.

I don't know why it struck me so odd, but did you notice that everyone in the picture pronounced the title character 'Dr. Low', including Dr. Lao himself? That is, all except for the young Mike Benedict (Kevin Tate), who pronounced it the way it appears to look - 'Dr. Lau'. I don't know if there's any significance to that within the context of the story, but it struck me nevertheless.The film utilizes one of those familiar old Western movie themes in which an evil town boss conspires to buy out all of his neighbors with the prospect of making a killing when the railroad comes through the area. After that, it's pretty much all fantasy as an elderly Chinaman arrives with his magical circus to turn the tables on the villain. The story line utilizes a number of metaphors to contrast the circus with life in general, like 'The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it', or as the Giant Serpent explains to his look-alike villain Stark (Arthur O'Connell) - the circus is like a mirror, you see yourself in it.The host of Turner Classics who introduced the story, Ben Mankiewicz, stated that director George Pal wanted Peter Sellers for the Dr. Lao role, but was extremely pleased with the way Tony Randall handled the chore. It was cool to see Randall as one of the circus customers watching the show under the Big Top, a clever touch in keeping with the theme of the story.Considering the era, some of Dr. Lao's characters have sort of a hokey look like that Abominable Snowman, but over all there's a whimsical quality to the performers that gives the movie a magical touch, the kind Dr. Lao himself attempts to convey to the citizens of Abalone. After all, if you can haul a trout out of a dry stream bed, you can just about do anything.

Wow.....I First Saw This Movie On A Army Troop Ship Headed To Vietnam In 1965. As The Ship Neared A Typhoon, The Small Movie Room Vacated. After A While, It Was Me & The Projectionist, Then Only Me As The Ship Tossed & Turned. Thankfully He Left The Projector On So I was Able To See The Entire Movie. I Found This Movie Very Entertaining, Fun & Enjoyable To Watch. Took My Mind Off Where I Was Headed & What Was In Store. Gave Me A New Take On Tony Randall As An Accomplished Actor & Comedian. It Has Left A Lasting Impression As I Can Remember More Of This Movie Than Others Since, With Maybe The Exception Of "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly". In Fact I Will Now Order This Movie From Amazon.com

In many ways the 7 Faces Of Dr. Lao was years ahead of its time. I think the only reason Stephen Spielberg hasn't tried to remake it is because he doesn't think he could improve on the original which George Pal so artfully put together. Not too mention this is an actor's dream where as per the title star Tony Randall gets a once in a lifetime chance to essay seven different characters.A small Arizona town in the Depression Thirties gets a chance to see an Oriental circus as per an advertisement placed in John Ericson's newspaper by a mousy Chinese gentleman Dr. Lao as played by Tony Randall. The town has its problems as its leading citizen Arthur O'Connell is trying to buy it out from each and every property owning citizen in the tough times of the Depression.Dr. Lao has not giving them a circus as much as a carnival sideshow with many interesting exhibits from cultures all over the world. It is here that Randall does his thing appearing as many people in the various exhibits. As the townspeople visit the exhibits, it's an interactive show where they come face to face with some unpleasant truths about themselves and that includes O'Connell.7 Faces Of Dr. Lao won a special Oscar for makeup years before that became an Oscar category. I find it hard to believe it wasn't a category before. The film also got a nomination for special effects, but lost to Mary Poppins.Like Alec Guinness in Kind Hearts And Coronets, Tony Randall was given such great acclaim for the various parts he did per the exhibits in his circus. I find it hard to believe that he wasn't given a nomination for Best Actor. It was not just William Tuttle's makeup that created these characters.If it were to be remade today I think it would be a natural for Robin Williams. But I doubt that Tony Randall could be topped.

A Chinese magician by the name of "Dr. Lao" (played by Tony Randall) rides into the arid western town of Abalone to seek out the newspaper publisher "Ed Cunningham" (John Erickson) to have him announce that the circus is coming to town. And it's an unusual circus which features: Merlin, Pan (the God of Joy), Medusa, the Abominable Snowman, the Giant Serpent, and Appollonius of Tyana (all of whom are played by Tony Randall). During his visit, a town hall meeting is being held and the rich--but dishonest-- businessman "Clint Stark" (Arthur O'Connell) is telling the townspeople that the pipe delivering water to the town is crumbling apart and that it will cost $237,000 to repair. Knowing that they cannot possibly raise the money he offers to buy their land and homes from them. He then gives them a couple of days to make their decision. In the meantime everyone decides to visit the circus. When they do they discover things about themselves that they never knew before. Rather than spoil the movie for those who haven't seen it let me just say that this is a very enjoyable picture that the whole family will love. Not only does it showcase the versatility of Tony Randall but it also features the beautiful Barbara Eden as the widowed librarian "Angela Benedict" who is working hard to support a young son named "Mike Benedict" (Kevin Tate) and her mother-in-law, "Sarah Benedict" (Argentina Brunetti). She is also doing her best to resist the charms of Ed Cunningham. And while her performance is good it is Tony Randall in his many guises who actually steals this show. Be that as it may, this movie has a good cast, a good plot and was even nominated for an Academy Award for "Best Special Effects". Again, this is an excellent movie and it's definitely worth a look if you get the opportunity.