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!

djmcfly Wow.....I First Saw This Movie On A Army Troop Ship Headed To Vietnam In 1965. As The Ship Neared A Typhoon, The Small Movie Room Vacated. After A While, It Was Me & The Projectionist, Then Only Me As The Ship Tossed & Turned. Thankfully He Left The Projector On So I was Able To See The Entire Movie. I Found This Movie Very Entertaining, Fun & Enjoyable To Watch. Took My Mind Off Where I Was Headed & What Was In Store. Gave Me A New Take On Tony Randall As An Accomplished Actor & Comedian. It Has Left A Lasting Impression As I Can Remember More Of This Movie Than Others Since, With Maybe The Exception Of "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly". In Fact I Will Now Order This Movie From Amazon.com

ferbs54 In the 1964 George Pal fantasy "7 Faces of Dr. Lao," the early 20th century Western town of Abalone seems to get a very unusual visitor. He is Dr. Lao, who claims to be 7,322 years old and who can control the actions of men and machines with a finger snap. The circus that he brings along with him is one that changes the lives of Abalone's citizens forever, after revealing things to the townspeople about themselves that they had never suspected. Lao's circus is comprised of a doddering Merlin, the Greek god Pan, the Abominable Snowman, the snake-haired Medusa, a talking serpent, and the seer Apollonius of Tyana, who delivers, to an old biddy, possibly the most deliciously morbid piece of fortune-telling in screen history. These six, as well as Dr. Lao himself AND a blank-faced audience member, are all played by Tony Randall in what Danny Peary, in his "Guide for the Film Fanatic," says "may be the finest performance in a fantasy film." (Randall IS terrific here, but personally, I would give that award to Margaret Hamilton's performance in a certain flying-monkey movie of 1939!) Randall is ably abetted here by a fine cast that includes Barbara Eden (one year pre-"Jeannie"), John Ericson (one year pre-"Honey West") and the great character actor Arthur O'Connell. Typical for a Pal production, the picture has wonderful special FX (especially that rampaging, ever-expanding sea serpent!), and William Tuttle's Oscar-winning makeup creations are truly wondrous to behold. On the downside, the film suffers, I feel, from having too light a tone, and could possibly be 15 minutes or so shorter and more compact. Still, this is a charming, thought-provoking entertainment, perfectly suited for watching with the kiddies. Recommended.

veena_pothunnah This is a wonderful film. I can't believe Tony Randall did not win an Oscar for it. He had so much talent and must have worked hard on this film. It's sad to know that those days for making this kind of film are long gone.The film makes you realise that the earth is a magical place and full of wonder.In a few words,it has more to say than any religion.The music score fits in well with the film.It tugs at the heart.When I first saw the film more than twenty-five years ago, it made such an impression on me and then I watched it again last night and I thought,if only the children of to-day would appreciate it.When will we get back the simplicity and enjoyment of this kind of entertainment.I wish the film had been given better recognition.