Doctor Dolittle (1967)

32% of critics liked it
(19 reviews)
52% of users liked it
(71,912 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 overstuffed and… 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

Rating, Runtime: G, 2 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Richard Fleischer
Genres: Action & Adventure, Classics, Comedy, Kids & Family, Musical & Performing Arts, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Dec 19, 1967 Wide
On DVD: Oct 31, 2000
Studio: 20th Century Fox

Critic Reviews

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.
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.
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.
Scott G. Mignola, Common Sense Media
Animal-friendly, kid-friendly classic.
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
One of the worst films to be ever nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and one of the weakest Hollywood musicals of the 1960s.
Ian Nathan, Empire Magazine
Not even a decent performance from Richard Attenborough can save this disappointing production.
Richard Luck, Film4
Doctor Dolittle might be a little woolly at times but it's impossible not to be impressed by Rex Harrison and his marvellous menagerie.
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Will put the kids to sleep, but may kill you.
Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Glossy, overlong, but still fun kids' musical with Rex Harrison in good form.
Trevor Johnston, Time Out
[It] almost bankrupted the studio when audiences stayed away in droves. In retrospect, it's not hard to see why.
Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com
Click to read the article.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
The lush sets and presentation are a big disconnect with the silly story, but that ultimately turns out to be part of the joy of the movie.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
A major factor in the death of the film musical.
Jon Lap, Apollo Guide
Unfortunately -- even as escapist fare -- it's a failure due to its lifeless, meandering plot, and characters.

Read all 14 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Jennifer X

Just as bad and boring as Mark Harris's Pictures at a Revolution makes it out to be.
Lady D

A long film that drags slightly, but Rex Harrison and his famous speaking singing voice take us into a make believe job with a fun adventure to follow. Whilst Doc Dolittle is a Musical, there were very few songs that were memorable, but the animals and adventure provide the biggest… More
A long film that drags slightly, but Rex Harrison and his famous speaking singing voice take us into a make believe job with a fun adventure to follow. Whilst Doc Dolittle is a Musical, there were very few songs that were memorable, but the animals and adventure provide the biggest attraction.
Jennifer D

I kinda forgot how LONG this movie is. Some annoyingly catchy songs, but ultimately very dated.
Wahida K

This was cute one in its own way but I rather stuck on Eddie Murphy as Doctor DoLittle
Anthony L

'Ive never seen anything like it in my life'.
danny d

this is a really fun movie. a suprise nomination for best picture in 1967, the acting and visual elements were great. the music was hit and miss and i caught myself clock watching a few times as this film is a lengthy 2 1/2 hours for being such a simple movie, but in all it was a… More
this is a really fun movie. a suprise nomination for best picture in 1967, the acting and visual elements were great. the music was hit and miss and i caught myself clock watching a few times as this film is a lengthy 2 1/2 hours for being such a simple movie, but in all it was a delight to watch.
Andrew F

The songs are stupid and forgettable. How on earth did this get a nomination for Best Picture???
Sarah B

Why is Eddie Murphy slumming it? He is so much better than this dreary kid's film. Then again, I have always been partial to talking animals.
Barry L

The snail is a great actor....