Doctor Dolittle (1967)

User Rating:

5.9/10   

Director:

Richard Fleischer

Writers:

Hugh Lofting (novels)
Leslie Bricusse (screenplay)

Release Date:

19 December 1967 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Comedy | Family | Fantasy | Musical | Romance

Tagline:

Ride across the sea inside the GIANT PINK SEA SNAIL!

Plot:

Doctor Dolittle is a world-renowned veterinarian who speaks a wide array of animal languages. He sets off from his home in Puddleby-on-the-Marsh...

Plot Keywords:

England | Snail | Moth | Veterinarian | Fish Tank

Awards:

Won 2 Oscars. Another 3 wins & 14 nominations

Cast

Rex Harrison	...	Dr. John Dolittle
Samantha Eggar	...	Emma Fairfax
Anthony Newley	...	Matthew Mugg
Richard Attenborough	...	Albert Blossom
Peter Bull	...	Gen. Bellowes
Muriel Landers	...	Mrs. Blossom
William Dix	...	Tommy Stubbins
Geoffrey Holder	...	William Shakespeare X
Portia Nelson	...	Sarah Dolittle
Norma Varden	...	Lady Petherington

Runtime:

152 min | 145 min (FMC Library Print)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Iceland:L | UK:U | Australia:G | Argentina:Atp | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | USA:Approved

Filming Locations:

20th Century Fox Ranch, Malibu Creek State Park - 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, California, USA

Company:

APJAC Productions

Trivia:

The films U.S. premiere was a benefit for Project HOPE (December 19, 1967) at the Loew's State Theatre in New York City. The festivities were the subject of an hour long TV show on WPIX hosted by Barry Gray. After the Chicago premiere at the Michael Todd Theatre (December 20, 1967) the Hollywood opening was held at the Paramount Theatre the following day. The L.A. premiere was a benefit for the Hollywood and Television Relief Fund and Joey Bishop taped his ABC talk show there. Sophie the Seal wearing a diamond necklace, Jip the Dog in a jeweled collar, Gub-Gub the Pig in a sequined harness and Chee-Chee the Chimp in white tie, tails & top hat all appeared at the Hollywood premiere.

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When we first see the pushme-pullyu from the side, you can see a split in the middle of the fur. The two sides are even a different color.

Quotes:

Matthew: [after breaking the Doctor out of prison and escaping by ship] If you ask me, bein' at sea is very much the same as bein' in prison, except at sea ya stand a better chance of drownin'.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in The Karate Dog (2004) (TV)

Soundtrack:

My Friend The Doctor (Flight Of The Luna Moth Sequence)

underrated film classic

Highly atmospheric and splendidly acted this film is a pure joy to watch. Legendary actor Rex Harrison give one of his best screen performances as the eracable,lovable Doctor. Anthony Newley gets one of his rare screen appearances and shows just what a talented performer he was.And of course Lord Attenbourgh's comic turn as Albert Blossom gives him rare comic opportunity.the score is well done by Leslie Bricusse (Newley's long time collaborator.)And the dialogue is sharp and witty. the performance are extremely real for a childeren's fantasy film. Its a shame that the Eddie Murphy misfire has taken recognition away from this charming film.