7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)

Plenty to Like, Plenty to Dislike

Good concept, poorly executed.

There are moments that feel comical, some horrific, and some downright inspiring but the tonal shifts hardly matter as the end results come to a film that's perfect for this time.

It’s sentimental, ridiculously long and only occasionally funny

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.

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

The year was 1964 when a very special circus came to town. The movie was called " The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao. " As an audience member I was forever impressed and enthralled by the sheer genius of the story originally written by Charles J. Finney. Super talented Tony Randall gives a commanding and truly fantastic performance playing an ancient Chineese Faiker named Dr. Lao. In this magical role, he also plays Merlin / Pan / Abominable Snowman / Medusa / Giant Serpent and Apollonius of Tyana. Ariving in a Southerwestern town, he set out to bring the good citizens of Abalone hope and encouragement. Arthur O'Connell plays Clinton Stark, a rich greedy businessman out to steal the town for himself. John Doucette and Royal Dano play his hired hands out to bully the town-folks. Surprisingly, they prove excellent contributing actors. John Ericson is the city Editor who with Noah Beery Jr, are out to defend the populous with their newspaper. Barbara Eden plays Angela Benedict, mother to fatherless Mike, her son, who learns 'the whole world is a circus, if you look at it the right way'. Yet, it's the mythical characters of the film which add a believable quality to this exceptional movie. Added is the inner fable tale called 'The Fall of Waldercan.' Any fan of the director George Pal, can easily recognize 'Atlantis ' within this truly Classic movie. *****

A charming little film directed by George Pal, and made brilliant solely by Tony Randall's tour de force in taking on several different roles. He starts out as the oriental Dr. Lao, who is magical and can transform himself into various forms within his own traveling circus. When a small western town starts to come apart at the seams due to an unscrupulous businessman, the wondrous Lao helps the community to see through the manipulation and helps everyone come to their senses by entertaining them at his mystical circus. Randall wears many different makeups courtesy of the award-winning William Tuttle: Dr. Lao, Merlin the old magician, the Abominable Snowman, Medusa, Pan, and Apollonius of Tyana. He also has a brief cameo in his own face as a member of the audience. *** out of ****