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7 Faces of Dr. Lao: A Movie Review
If you’re in the mood for a classic movie that’s a little bit weird, a little bit magical, and maybe even a little bit confusing, then you might want to check out “7 Faces of Dr. Lao.” This 1964 film is a strange and delightful journey that takes the viewer through various stories and legends, all while asking some bigger questions about what it means to be human.
The Storyline
The basic premise of the movie is this: Dr. Lao is a mysterious figure who arrives in the town of Abalone, Arizona with his traveling circus. However, this is no ordinary circus – in fact, it’s not really clear if the circus is even real or just an elaborate illusion created by Dr. Lao himself.
Throughout the movie, we see various characters interact with Dr. Lao and his strange cast of performers – there’s Pan, who seems to be half-man half-goat; Merlin the Magician; Medusa the Gorgon; The Apollonius Twins; and many more bizarre creatures.
As we watch these characters interact with each other and with the townspeople of Abalone, we also see various stories and myths unfold. There’s a love story between the town’s newspaper editor and a mysterious woman who may or may not be a mermaid; there’s a battle between good and evil in the form of an encounter with an evil serpent; and there are moments of humor, awe, and wonder throughout.
The Cast and Characters
The standout performance in this movie is undoubtedly Tony Randall as Dr. Lao. He expertly portrays each of the seven faces of the character – from the wise old man to the mischievous clown – with ease and charisma. His performance is both charming and unsettling at times, which is perfect for this movie that blurs the lines between reality and fantasy.
The supporting cast is also excellent, with performances from actors like Barbara Eden (best known for “I Dream of Jeannie”) as the mysterious Nalani, John Ericson as newspaper editor Ed Cunningham, and Arthur O’Connell as the town drunk who sees things no one else can.
The History
“7 Faces of Dr. Lao” was directed by George Pal, who was known for his work in sci-fi and fantasy movies like “The Time Machine” and “War of the Worlds.” The movie was based on a novel by Charles G. Finney, and Pal worked closely with screenwriter Charles Beaumont to adapt the story for the screen.
The movie was not a huge success at the time of its release – it was overshadowed by more popular movies like “Mary Poppins” and “My Fair Lady.” However, over time it has gained a cult following and is now considered a classic of its genre.
The Evaluation
If you’re looking for a straightforward plot with clear-cut heroes and villains, then “7 Faces of Dr. Lao” might not be your cup of tea. However, if you’re willing to embrace the weirdness and go along for the ride, then this movie is definitely worth watching.
The acting is excellent across the board, but Tony Randall’s performance as Dr. Lao really steals the show. The various stories and myths that unfold throughout the movie are fascinating and thought-provoking, and there are plenty of moments that will make you laugh or gasp in wonder.
Overall, “7 Faces of Dr. Lao” is a unique and memorable experience that lovers of fantasy and magical realism should definitely check out.