Seven Faces of Dr. Lao
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Movie Reviews of Seven Faces of Dr. Lao
Movie Review: Run, do do walk, to the Circus of Dr. Lao
Summary: 5 Stars
"The whole world is a circus, if you look at it the right way."This film is a absolute gem. If you have never seen it, you are in for an extraordinary treat. The DVD release is an event which, I hope, allows the film to reach a far greater audience. A number of film enthusiasts regard this as a cult classic, a belief that I firmly share. Hopefully, you will, too.
"A circus is like a mirror. You see yourself in it sometimes...sometimes someone else."
A mysterious Chinese gentlemen appears in the midst of Abalone, Arizona, after the turn of the century. The town is facing a crisis which threatens its future. Many of the town's inhabitants are also facing individual challenges. Dr. Lao invites them to his travelling circus and promises a show which "not even the experience of a lifetime spent in Abalone could conceive of." And he delivers! Characters from mythology, dreams, and nightmares populate his tent. Each sideshow offers something that touches and changes the lives of attendees...and quite possibly, the town as a whole.
The film will engage children and adults alike. The closest parallel I can make is to a film like Wizard of Oz. Both films offer moral lessons in terms that children can grasp, while reminding adult viewers of the importance of listening to their "inner child."
While the philosophy contained herein may strike some as overly simplistic, and the production values may leave something to be desired, the circus is an event not to be missed.
"Every time you stop and think `I'm alive, and being alive is fantastic!' Every time such a thing happens, you are part of the Circus of Dr. Lao."
Movie Review: MARVELOUS FANTASY!
Summary: 5 Stars
i remember being so enthralled by this film as a kid when it would come up on TV back in the 70's. It was so unlike anything I had ever seen, combining wry humor, morality, and a touch or horror in one great package. Horror? Yeah...some of these faces were pretty terrifying to a kid. Tony Randall plays actually 8 faces in the film as Dr. Lao / Merlin / Pan/ Abominable Snowman/Medusa/Giant Serpent/Apollonius of Tyana/and an Audience member.
A mysterious circus comes to the town of Abilone, AZ where a greedy shyster named Stark is trying to bilk the residents out of their home. Dr. Lao's Circus will soon teach the residents a lesson well-learned. As the various residents visit the circus and meet the individual attractions played by Randall, they will learn a lot about themselves, somtimes in very horrific, satirical ways. For example a snobbish, vain woman will find out that she is too live the rest of her life alone and won't find another man to love her. Pretty strong stuff.
The film was directed by George Pal, best known as the producer of such early sci-fi classics as Destination Moon And War of the Worlds. The real stars of the movie were William Tuttle who did the Make-up. Tuttle, still living I believe, was one of Hollywood's great makeup men, having worked on films such as "Young Frankenstein" and "Logan's Run". His transforming of Randall into the various characters was just fantastic. The other stars were epcial effects crew who brought some of the fantastic characters like the serpent to life.
Dated perhaps now thirty years later, it's still a very mesmerizing film.
Movie Review: This movie appeals to all ages, adults and children both
Summary: 5 Stars
It is rare for a movie to be interesting and entertaining to both children and adults. Most child movies are to simple for adults to really enjoy fully. Most adult movies are to complex and fast and require things that a child needs to have explained to fully enjoy (If you do not understand that statement, take somebody 18-25 to see "Forest Gump")In Dr. Lao, the movie flows evenly, with cute characters that almost any child knows about (Loch Ness Monster, Merlin, Abominable Snowman, Medusa). These are blended well with a strong substory involving a small town in late 1800 to early 1900 Arizona. Do they sell their homes and businesses to a rancher that wants to "improve" their life by buying them out.
The acting by Tony Randal is FANTASTIC! He performes 6 characters in the movie (similar to what Peter Sellers would do in his movies). And he does them all very well. Nobody but Mr. Sellers himself could have done as fine a job. And while the special effects may seem dated by todays computer animation standards, it is fantastic considering the movie is 41 years old!
I remember seeing it as a child, and have seen it 2 or 3 times since then on TV. I was very eager to grab it up on DVD when it became available, and have not been dissapointed. This is a must see movie, for any child, or somebody that is a child at heart.
It is to bad that more movies like this are not made anymore. I can only hope that some film makers can rediscover this gem, and remake this style of movie. Although I am also afraid that if they remade the movie itself, it would be totally ruined.
Movie Review: Must be watched several times
Summary: 5 Stars
A dysfunctional town is soon to be a railway way station. Only Clint Stark (Arthur O'Connell) knows this and is making the towns people even more dissatisfied with their life so he can buy them out cheaply.
Can no one come to the rescue not only for the economics but the people them selves?
A mysterious little visitor appears and everyone is excited to see he has brought a circus.
As each person visits the circus they are confronted with his/her self. Whether he/she recognizes it or not is a different matter.
The finally performance tells a tale of a city lost in history and the people again look familiar.
The movie has appeal on many levels. Such as Tony Randall plays many parts as Dr. Lao, Merlin, Pan, The Abominable Snowman, Medusa, a Giant Serpent, Apollonius of Tyanna, and an audience member.
There is a parade of talented actors. Barbra Eden gets to sweat. Special effects are by George Pal (War of the Worlds, and The Time Machine". And the movie is based on the book "The Circus of Dr. Lao" by Charles G. Finney.
"The whole world is a circus if you look at it the right way. Every time you pick up a handful of dust and see not the dust but a mystery, a marvel there in your hand. Every time you stop and think I'm alive and being alive is fantastic. Every time such a thing happens, you are part of the circus of Dr. Lao."
Movie Review: Too sophisticated to just be considered a "kid's film"
Summary: 5 Stars
When I went into this film, I expected to like it. I vaguely remembered seeing on TV one time and enjoying it. However, I did expect a few dated elements. The most obvious of these would be the casting of a Caucasian to play an Asian character.
I was right and wrong. I loved the film. As for Tony Randall as Dr. Lao, I have to say he does an excellent job. This is because Dr. Lao is not just a Chinese character, but instead, a timeless shapeshifter, a man of infinite variety and character. For instance, at the beginning he speaks with a very thick accent which abruptly disappears in another scene. When a character asks him about that, Dr. Lao just smiles and says "Oh, it comes and goes." Later on, Lao adopts an Irish brogue or whatever else fits his mood. Randall also plays six other characters. My favorite is the fortune teller who has a surprisingly dark character.
Rounding out the cast is Barbara Eden, who is absolutely mesmerizing as an uptight librarian who finally has her passion awoken by a brief encounter with a satyr. While technically a family friendly scene, it is amazingly sensual.
The film has a leisurely pace, but it is really enjoyable, full of great moments. And I will always remember the words of Dr. Lao.
Dr. Lao: "Do you know what wisdom is?"
Boy: "No."
Dr. Lao: "Wise answer."