Doctor Dolittle [1967]

Doctor Dolittle [1967] starring Rex Harrison, Samantha Eggar, Anthony Newley, Richard Attenborough, Peter Bull

Synopsis of Doctor Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle is a charming fantasy excursion. It creates a wonderful world of endless imagination through music, dance and special effects. Rex Harrison stars in the madcap adventures of a 19th Century English doctor.  The doctor walks and talks and squawks with the animals. Based on the charming stories of Hugh Lofting, the good doctor gets himself into all sorts of funny predicaments in this fun family film.  It earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. It has terrific music, fine acting, lovable creatures and a joyous fantasy tale. Doctor Dolittle is a classic for young and old alike.

Review of Doctor Dolittle

In short, Doctor Dolittle is one of the children’s movies that I loved as a child. And I still love as an adult.  Let me contrast that with Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.  As a child, I loved both movies.  As an adult, I can still enjoy the various musical numbers in both.  But, I can sit and watch the Doctor Dolittle movie from start to finish as an adult …. And still enjoy it.

It’s a wonderful fantasy, colorful and dynamic.  Some of the scenes — specifically at the circus — are just as great a spectacle as when I was a child.  Add to that the sets and costumes look real, good acting, and characters that the audience cares about, and you have a wonderful movie.

Characters in Doctor Dolittle

Doctor John Dolittle (Rex Harrison, The Yellow Rolls-Royce).  The doctor who’s not very good with people. But learns to talk to animals with help from his multilingual parrot.  And goes around the world to help animals in need.  His current quest is to find the Great Pink Sea Snail.

Matthew Mugg (Anthony Newley, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory).  One of Dr. Dolittle’s few human friends. He accompanies him on his adventure.  He also brings along Stubbins, and drops a “hint” that helps “Fred” stow away on board their ship.  A nice, friendly Irish man. As he’s not shy about telling you!

Tommy Stubbins (William Dix, The Nanny).  The young boy, Matthew’s friend, who also comes along.  A reflecting board for the young audience members.  Also a very nice young man.

Emma Fairfax (Samantha Eggar, The Uncanny).  The niece of General Bellowes, who’s first offended by Dr. Dolittle.  Then, she likes him.  Then, stows away on his boat.  And begins to fall in love with the older man.  She’s given the nickname “Fred” by Matthew.  It’s not an insult, it’s a pet name. Which she’s given after she does the “if I were a man” routine.

General Bellowes (Peter Bull, The African Queen).  The pretentious, obnoxious man who takes an instant dislike to the Doctor.  And later, is gleeful to be the judge at the doctor’s sanity hearing.  No matter what his dog says …

Albert Blossom (Richard Attenborough, Jurassic Park).  The circus owner, who displays Dr. Dolittle’s Pushme-Pullyou. And makes a small fortune for them both.  One of the outstanding musical numbers, I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It, features him extensively.

William Shakespeare X (Geoffrey Holder, Live and Let Die).  The law reader on the island that the gang finally arrives at. An understated, hilarious performance.

Songs in Doctor Dolittle

• My Friend The Doctor, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Anthony Newley
• The Vegetarian, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Rex Harrison
• Talk To The Animals, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Rex Harrison
• At The Crossroads, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Samantha Eggar with singing voice provided by Diana Lee
• I’ve Never Seen Anything Like It, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Richard Attenborough
• Beautiful Things, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Anthony Newley and Samantha Eggar with vocal by Diana Lee
• When I Look In Your Eyes, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Rex Harrison
• Like Animals, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Rex Harrison
• After Today, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Anthony Newley
• Fabulous Places, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Rex Harrison, Samantha Eggar with vocal by Diana Lee and Anthony Newley
• I Think I Like You, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Rex Harrison, Samantha Eggar with vocal by Diana Lee
• Doctor Dolittle, Written by Leslie Bricusse. Performed by Anthony Newley, William Dix and Ginny Tyler, the voice of Polynesia the Parrot