Doctor Dolittle (1967)
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32% of critics liked it
(19 reviews) -
52% of users liked it
(73,089 ratings)
Rex Harrison, although not at all like the portly man described in Hugh Lofting's charming series of children's stories, is sheer perfection as the kindly animal doctor in Leslie Bricusse's musical fantasy Doctor Dolittle. Sadly, Harrison is the only thing nearing perfection in this… More Rex Harrison, although not at all like the portly man described in Hugh Lofting's charming series of children's stories, is sheer perfection as the kindly animal doctor in Leslie Bricusse's musical fantasy Doctor Dolittle. Sadly, Harrison is the only thing nearing perfection in this overstuffed and over-mounted fiasco that nearly brought down 20th Century Fox. Considered a lunatic because he can converse in 498 animal dialects, Dolittle gathers up his friends Matthew Mugg (Anthony Newley) and Emma Fairfax (Samantha Eggar) and heads off on a journey to the South Seas to find the elusive great pink snail and the giant lunar moth. Along the way, the group encounters a succession of bizarre human and animal characters -- most notably the legendary pushme-pullyou, an animal so freakish that it compels Albert Blossom (Richard Attenborough) to burst out into the exuberant song, "I've never Seen Anything Like It in My Life." Incredibly, the film was nominated for a Best Picture Oscar in 1967. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Directed By
- Richard Fleischer
- Genres
- Action & Adventure, Classics, Comedy, Kids & Family, Musical & Performing Arts, Science Fiction & Fantasy
G,
- In Theaters
- Dec 19, 1967 Wide
- Studio
- 20th Century Fox
Critic Reviews
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Variety Staff, Variety
Leslie Bricusse's adaptation retains the delightful aspects while taking considerable liberty with the plot. His music and lyrics, while containing no smash hits, are admirably suited to the scenario.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
It's so clumsy and pounding that taking a child to it might be grounds for a visit from family services.
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Trevor Johnston, Time Out
[It] almost bankrupted the studio when audiences stayed away in droves. In retrospect, it's not hard to see why.
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
The music is not exceptional, the rendering of the songs lacks variety, and the pace, under Richard Fleischer's direction, is slow and without surprise. Indeed, toward the end it is perfunctory. Things happen mechanically.
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Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media
Animal-friendly, kid-friendly classic.
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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Rex Harrison
as Dr. John Dolittle
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Samantha Eggar
as Emma Fairfax
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Anthony Newley
as Matthew Mugg
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Richard Attenborough
as Albert Blossom
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Peter Bull
as Gen. Bellowes
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Geoffrey Holder
as Willie Shakespeare
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Muriel Landers
as Mrs. blossom
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William Dix
as Tommy Stubbins
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Portia Nelson
as Sarah Dolittle
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Norma Varden
as Lady Petherington
- Ray Erlenborn
