7 Faces of Dr. Lao
Directed by George Pal
Written by Charles Beaumont from a novel by Charles G. Finney
1964/USA
George Pal Productions
Repeat viewing/Netflix rental
[box] Dr. Lao: The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it.[/box]
I still remember this well from its original release. All these years later, it is still a treat for its acting, makeup, and special effects.
An elderly Chinese man (Tony Randall) arrives in the old West town of Abalone with his traveling circus. The inhabitants of the town have the usual personal problems. Prime among them is the coldness of the town librarian (Barbara Eden) toward the advances of the crusading newspaper editor. More pressingly, an evil real estate developer (Arthur O’Connell) is offering to buy up the whole town by claiming it is running out of water.
Dr. Lao’s circus is the most excitement the town has seen in years and everyone goes to see its wonders: The Abominable Snowman, Merlin the Magician, soothsayer Apollonius of Tyana, Pan, Medusa, and the Giant Serpent (all played by Randall). This particular circus is a treat for hearts as well as eyes and Dr. Lao has everything straightened out nicely by the end.
Tony Randall never had a chance like this one to showcase his incredible versatility again. He is just great. I like him best as Lao. This is also one of the most truly magical movies I have ever seen. The special effects are amazing for the time. There is a nice family-friendly message as well. Highly recommended.
William Tuttle won an Honorary Academy Award for “his outstanding make-up achievement for 7 Faces of Dr. Lao.” The film was nominated for Best Effects, Special Visual Effects.
