The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T poster & wallpaper
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Hans Conried, John Heasley, Mary Healy, Noel Cravat, Peter Lind Hayes ...( see more  see more... ) , Robert Heasley , Tommy Rettig

Bart has only one enemy in the world: his piano teacher Dr. Terwilliker. Dr. T has a mad plan to force 500 young boys to practice at his magnificent piano 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Bart is the on...( read more  read more... )ly hope to save these boys from being enslaved. Fantastic sets, screenplay, and even song lyrics were provided by Dr. Seuss. Features the only piano academy ever known to be equipped with cells and surrounded by an electric fence.

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77% liked it

2,284 ratings

Critics

75% liked it

12 critics

G, 92 min.

Directed by: Roy Rowland

Release Date: July 1, 1953

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DVD Release Date: April 24, 2001

Stats: 175 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (175)

  • aaroncalander
    November 6, 2009
    aaroncalander
    This quirky fantastical film hasn't received the attention other similar films like Willy Wonka and The Wizard of Oz have. Probably because the songs aren't as singable or memorable. This is unfortunate because people are missing out on a great and creative film.

    The film foll...( read more)ows the dream of a litle boy named Bart who is tormented by his strict piano teacher, Dr. Terwilliker (Dr. T). He falls asleep at the piano while practicing and enters a fantasy land where Dr. T has created a camp/prison in a castle where boys are forced to practice piano for hours on end. Dr. T is in preparation for the grand opening of the camp and his giant piano which seats 500 children at once in such a way that he can lord over all of them from above.

    Although the film is very campy and dated in many ways, its charm lies in the fantastic set design and colorful costumes. As Bart wanders around the empty castle, he encounters increasingly bizarre characters and situations. The wonderful creativity clearly comes from the mind of none other than Dr. Seuss, whose touch can be felt throughout. He pushes the boundaries throughout the film and mixes fantasy, surrealism, and good old-fashioned fun. The highest point of the film is a musical number involving instruments, dancing, and painted creatures.

    What keeps this film from being a classic is a rather simple plot and lack of memorable songs. The film often relies on the beautiful sets and colors to engage the viewer instead of plot development and dialogue. Regardless, it is definitely worth a viewing. It is sure to please children and adults alike.
  • SadisticMinister
    September 14, 2009
    SadisticMinister
    Cool old musical matinee with a fascinating set.

    Hans Conried is awesome as the crazy piano possessed antagonist.
  • absolutnormal
    May 6, 2009
    absolutnormal
    I use to watch this movie over and over again LOVE it!
  • CaptainCampion1
    April 15, 2009
    CaptainCampion1
    Sorely under-rated movie ... kooky, zany, crazy and a hilarious time!
  • wilmothoudini
    March 7, 2009
    wilmothoudini
    I can't say it's great or that the idea sustains a feature, but it's one of a kind.
  • mtahani
    February 23, 2009
    mtahani
    NO MONEY TO SEE IT!!!
    MO.
  • Ghw12158
    February 13, 2009
    Ghw12158
    this original is still the best version
  • Soundsofmadness
    October 17, 2008
    Soundsofmadness
    No thankyou - Not interested
  • thereeldeal
    September 19, 2008
    thereeldeal
    Oh, man...I watched this movie to please a girl once. It kinda, well...sucked. Sorry.
  • tedpchang
    August 5, 2008
    tedpchang
    Great kids film. The "fight" scene's choreography is downright hypnotic. I had no idea there was a Dr. Seuss musical.

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