7 Faces of Dr. Lao Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mysterious man with multiple personalities brings a circus to a Western town and psychoanalyzes everyone with mythical creatures, revealing their deepest secrets, and also there’s a real estate deal involved, somehow.

🍿 7 Faces of Dr. Lao: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Arrival of Dr. Lao and His Circus

In the early 20th century, Dr. Lao, an enigmatic Chinese man, arrives in the small town of Abalone, Arizona. He announces the arrival of his circus by placing an ad in the local newspaper. The town is facing a crisis due to a broken water supply pipe, which threatens its future.

Clint Stark’s Scheme

A wealthy and unscrupulous businessman, Clint Stark, is trying to exploit the town’s situation by buying up everyone’s land at a low price. He knows that the railroad will soon run through Abalone, significantly increasing the value of the properties. The local newspaperman, Ed Cunningham, and the librarian, Angela Benedict, suspect Stark’s motives.

The Circus’s Impact

Dr. Lao’s circus features mythical creatures and characters that reflect the townspeople’s inner selves. Through encounters with figures like Merlin, Pan, Medusa, and Apollonius of Tyana, the residents of Abalone confront their fears, desires, and flaws. These encounters lead to personal growth and a reevaluation of their values.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Dr. Lao (Tony Randall): A mysterious and ancient Chinese circus owner who uses his magical show to teach the people of Abalone valuable life lessons.
• Angela Benedict (Barbara Eden): A widowed librarian in Abalone who learns to open her heart to love and life’s joys through Dr. Lao’s influence.
• Clint Stark (Arthur O’Connell): A greedy businessman aiming to buy up Abalone for his own profit, who is confronted with his own moral shortcomings.
• Ed Cunningham (John Ericson): An honest newspaper editor who falls in love with Angela while fighting for the soul of Abalone against Stark’s schemes.
• Tim Mitchell (Noah Beery Jr.): A kind-hearted townsman and friend to Ed who supports him in the fight to save Abalone.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Lao: ““The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it.”” – Dr. Lao explains to a young boy that magic and wonder can be found in everyday life.
• Apollonius of Tyana: “Tomorrow will be like today, and the day after tomorrow will be like the day before yesterday. I see your remaining days as a tedious collection of hours full of useless vanities.” – Apollonius delivers a harsh, brutally honest fortune telling to Mrs. Howard Cassin.
• Dr. Lao: “Which is better, to have innocence and believe everything, or to be old and believe nothing?” – Dr. Lao poses a philosophical question about faith and cynicism.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $2.7 million
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 7 Faces of Dr. Lao Reviews

Personal Review

I first saw this movie as a kid, and it blew my mind. The idea that one person could become all these different characters and teach valuable lessons through a circus was so unique. Even now, the scene with Merlin hugging the boy makes me tear up. The whole movie feels like a magical dream, and Tony Randall’s performance is unforgettable. It’s a must-see for anyone who loves fantasy and a little bit of heart.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic fantasy films”
  • “Families looking for movies with positive messages”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who appreciate unique and imaginative storytelling”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild peril”
  • “Theatrical makeup that may frighten young children”
  • “Brief scene depicting snake which may disturb some viewers”

Professional Reviews

• ScreenRant: “A charming and imaginative fantasy film that blends Western tropes with mythology. Tony Randall delivers a tour-de-force performance in multiple roles, and the movie offers valuable life lessons wrapped in entertaining spectacle. The special effects, though dated, add to the film’s unique charm.
• Red Shirts Always Die: “George Pal’s “7 Faces of Dr. Lao” is a delightful family-friendly film that balances campy fun with thought-provoking moments. Randall’s transformations are a marvel, showcasing his talent and the skill of the makeup artists. While some elements are dated, the movie’s heart and message endure.

Audience Reactions

Tony Randall’s incredible versatility as an actor is widely praised.: Viewers appreciate the film’s imaginative storytelling and timeless life lessons.

The make-up and special effects, despite being dated, are seen as charming and add to the movie’s unique appeal.: Many feel the movie inspires viewers to embrace the magic in everyday life and to value human connection.

Overall Consensus: A whimsical and thought-provoking fantasy film that continues to enchant audiences with its unique storytelling, memorable characters, and timeless themes.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Honorary Award (Makeup))- 1965

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Tony Randall shaved his head for the role of Dr. Lao to make the makeup application for the different characters easier.”
• “The studio publicity department staged a second head-shaving for Tony Randall because they missed the first one.”
• “William Tuttle won a special Academy Award for his makeup work in the film, before the official category existed.”

🖥️ How to Watch 7 Faces of Dr. Lao?

Currently, “7 Faces of Dr. Lao” can be found for purchase on platforms like Amazon. Check your preferred digital retailers for rental or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 7 Faces of Dr. Lao, you might like these similar films:

• Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983): Dark fantasy about a sinister carnival that visits a small town and exploits the residents’ desires and fears.
• Big Fish (2003): A father uses fantastical stories to teach life lessons, similar to how Dr. Lao uses his circus.
• The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988): A whimsical and imaginative fantasy film with a focus on storytelling and fantastical characters.

🛒 7 Faces of Dr. Lao Related Products

• The Circus of Dr. Lao (Charles G. Finney) – Kindle Edition: Delve deeper into the source material with the original novel that inspired the movie. Explore the darker and more nuanced themes that couldn’t be fully captured on screen.
• Tony Randall: An Autobiography: Read Tony Randall’s personal story! See what he has to say about this movie and others.
• 7 Faces of Dr. Lao – Movie Poster Print: A high-quality print of the original movie poster. Captures the colorful and whimsical nature of the film, making it a perfect addition to any fan’s collection.
• Dr. Lao’s Circus Tent – Collectible Miniature: A limited-edition miniature replica of Dr. Lao’s circus tent. Intricately detailed and hand-painted, this collector’s item brings the magic of the circus to life.

🎧 Soundtrack

7 Faces of Dr. Lao features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “The Circus of Dr. Lao Theme” – performed by Leigh Harline
• “Pan’s Dance” – performed by Leigh Harline
• “Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” – performed by Johann Sebastian Bach

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

7 Faces of Dr Lao (1964) Stop-Motion shots

Ever wonder how they brought those fantastical creatures to life in ‘7 Faces of Dr. Lao’? This short video shows off the amazing stop-motion animation and visual effects – it’s seriously impressive for its time!

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