Talk:7 Faces of Dr. Lao

DVD? widescreen? HD?
Has this special movie been released on DVD? Do any HD/widescreen versions exist?


 * The DVD: (Only available in the USA)
 * Transfer: Widescreen/Dolby Digital 2.0
 * Extras: Documentary on make up artist William Tuttle:King of Duplicators.

-96.233.17.59 (talk) 01:43, 30 June 2009 (UTC)

Some comments
"As Peary writes, Tony Randall’s brilliant performance in 7 Faces of Dr. Lao “may be the finest [ever] in a fantasy film.” Randall rivals Peter Sellers (who was originally considered for this film) and Alec Guinness in his ability to seamlessly embody multiple characters in one story. Indeed, thanks in large part to Randall’s acting chops, Dr. Lao and his attractions — snake-headed Medusa, the ancient magician Merlin, the blind seer Apollonius, a ribald Pan, the hairy Abominable Snowman (in just a bit part), and an animated serpent — are thoroughly distinct entities; though kudos clearly belongs to those in charge of make-up and costumes as well."

“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

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.

-96.233.17.59 (talk) 01:57, 30 June 2009 (UTC)

George Pal was not a great film maker, and Dr Lao is one of his lesser efforts. (Indeed, his films rarely rise above mediocrity.) He took what is basically an adult novel and converted it into PG pabulum. Those who've read the novel would probably agree that it should be remade -- or more accurately, made. WilliamSommerwerck (talk) 02:14, 14 July 2013 (UTC)
 * As if you could do any better, Father William? "Why you talk all the time!? Scare fishes away" 76.218.248.127 (talk) 00:49, 4 October 2014 (UTC)
 * The first time I saw this film (I was in my early teens) I did not realize that Tony Randall played all those characters. I just felt that something very strange was happening. Wastrel Way (talk) 18:20, 12 April 2022 (UTC) Eric

Influences
"Many of Dr. Lao's characteristics can be found in the BBC tv character Doctor Who, specifically his long livedness, his unbelievably fantastic place of origin, familiarity with celebrated people of history, his confusing explanations, his nonplussed command of confrontational moments, and a headquarters that is bigger inside than out."
 * While this passage may be true, it provides no outside evidence that these observations are significant, much less that one production was an influence on the other. I've deleted it as original research. Lusanaherandraton (talk) 15:34, 12 May 2010 (UTC)

Ben Hecht
Ben Hecht is listed as one of the two writers. In IMDB he is listed as uncredited. Is there are reliable source for him working on the film ? -- Beardo (talk) 20:51, 3 July 2021 (UTC)