7 faces of Dr. Lao *
Adventure. MGM. 1964.
D: George Pal.
P: George Pal.
“A mysterious circus comes to a western town bearing wonders and characters that entertain the inhabitants and teach valuable lessons”.
Based on a famous children book, it is very bland for a B movie, but it turns interesting and fun when it gets to the circus section, where the film finds its life and heart. Tony Randall played seven characters, including a fantastic rendition of the blind future-teller Apollonius of Tyana, with the help of a commendable make up achievement that deserved the first Oscar ever to be given for such area of production. As the film struggles to make sense of the material, the ending results gratuitously sentimental.
Significant production contribution: Make up (William Tuttle), Acting (Tony Randall)
