ed-ryba If you've seen TV's "The Odd Couple" starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman and you think you know Tony Randall, BOY, have YOU got something to see!"The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao" is quite a showcase for the amazing talents of Mr. Randall, thanks to its Director, a man extremely well-versed in the techniques of True Movie Magic, the one and only George Pal. If Mr. Pal's name is not familiar to you, look up his Filmography on IMDb. One look at the films he either Directed, or was the Special Effects Master for, and you'll know what I mean.Since there are SO many user reviews for this film, I won't get into the intricacies of the plot and the other little things that happen in the film. But I will say that if you have NOT seen this movie, you are in for a real treat! Mr. Randall (who was a terrific guy when I met him at the old NBC studios in Beautiful Downtown Burbank, California - he was there for an appearance on The Flip Wilson Show - which shows you how long ago THAT was), plays quite a number of parts in "7 Faces", and you're likely not to recognize him in most of them, thanks to the deftly applied makeup of William Tuttle, and Randall's fine acting. These things and the exceptional Direction and effects of George Pal make for a great film. Personally, I find it hard to believe that "The 7 Faces Of Dr. Lao" was somehow NOT a huge hit. It certainly had every right to be when it played in theaters. MGM's Publicity and Advertising people at the time MUST have dropped the ball somewhere along the line. This was not a cheap movie to make. It was done LONG before computer effects, and the special effects in this film are nothing short of brilliant for their time - or ANY time - especially when you remember that they were ALL DONE BY HAND! If you get the chance, or you're a member of Amazon Prime, I highly recommend that you see this VERY well-made movie. It'll be worth your time and then some. And if you're not MADLY in love with the lovely Barbara Eden by the end of this movie, check yourself for a pulse!

bkoganbing In many ways the 7 Faces Of Dr. Lao was years ahead of its time. I think the only reason Stephen Spielberg hasn't tried to remake it is because he doesn't think he could improve on the original which George Pal so artfully put together. Not too mention this is an actor's dream where as per the title star Tony Randall gets a once in a lifetime chance to essay seven different characters.A small Arizona town in the Depression Thirties gets a chance to see an Oriental circus as per an advertisement placed in John Ericson's newspaper by a mousy Chinese gentleman Dr. Lao as played by Tony Randall. The town has its problems as its leading citizen Arthur O'Connell is trying to buy it out from each and every property owning citizen in the tough times of the Depression.Dr. Lao has not giving them a circus as much as a carnival sideshow with many interesting exhibits from cultures all over the world. It is here that Randall does his thing appearing as many people in the various exhibits. As the townspeople visit the exhibits, it's an interactive show where they come face to face with some unpleasant truths about themselves and that includes O'Connell.7 Faces Of Dr. Lao won a special Oscar for makeup years before that became an Oscar category. I find it hard to believe it wasn't a category before. The film also got a nomination for special effects, but lost to Mary Poppins.Like Alec Guinness in Kind Hearts And Coronets, Tony Randall was given such great acclaim for the various parts he did per the exhibits in his circus. I find it hard to believe that he wasn't given a nomination for Best Actor. It was not just William Tuttle's makeup that created these characters.If it were to be remade today I think it would be a natural for Robin Williams. But I doubt that Tony Randall could be topped.

LeonLouisRicci This is the most thought provoking and under seen George Pal Fantasy. It is one of those Gems that has fallen through the cracks of Time. But even in its initial release Audiences stayed away and Critics were not kind. These things are difficult to analyze. It is a fickle Movie going Public out there and one never knows.The Movie does not have the wide appeal that his other Hits like The Time Machine (1960), War of the Worlds (1953), and others. It is an introspective, Philosophical, and deep discussion on many Personal and Sociological traits that at times can be uncomfortable for some.This is a charming, well written, superbly mounted, surreal Movie that is sparse in its scope but vast in its ability to provoke and stimulate thought. It is thematically ahead of its time and is colorful and playful while unleashing insights and profound truths. Its attraction is the way it paradoxically fuses so many deep Subjects with such a lighthearted appeal.Tony Randall's excellent Performance in multiple roles, a Fantasy Template that will appeal to the Kid in everyone, and such an off kilter Film from the early Sixties that was frankly an Artistic Wasteland at the time, are some of the many reasons to seek this out and enjoy on so many levels. It truly has 7 Faces...at least.

johcafra Yet another among my cinematic guilty pleasures. The best recommendation is for you to sit down with one or more kids and know nothing about what's in store, at least plot-wise. That's how I was introduced to the good doctor and why I need to return to his Circus every so often.I've always liked George Pal's touch, and much of his work rightfully endures. For the kids, seek The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm and tom thumb (and perhaps Houdini and The Great Rupert). For the adults, seek the original War of the Worlds and The Time Machine (and perhaps The Power). For both, seek this film and the Puppetoons; with the latter, if Jasper offends, he does so unintentionally, while John Henry and the Inky-Poo will more than offset.Along these lines you may take offense at the good doctor's acting out a stereotype. Look again. The whole point of this film is that looks can deceive, or at least merit another look.The source novel is just plain weird and won't help before or after. Charles Beaumont's screenplay adaptation displays more than a little of Rod Serling's Twilight Zone, with good reason.With one exception Tony Randall in makeup remains Tony Randall—in Oscar-winning makeup. Watch for the briefest cameo of him without. You'll also recognize a slew of character actors from elsewhere, including some classic Westerns.Judging from their work, Wardrobe, Makeup and the FX crew must've been a lot of fun to be around.Leigh Harline's musical score lingers, with bagpipes yet.The scene between Barbara Eden and Pan is—incandescent.You'll be moved by the scene between Apollonius and Mrs Cassan. It's only a minute or so in duration, sans mattes, strings, thunderclaps or laser show, as it plumbs the realm of the Fantastic with nothing more than insight. Just enter the tent