Doctor Dolittle (1967)
Average Rating: 4.4/10
Reviews Counted: 19
Fresh: 6 | Rotten: 13
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 0 | Rotten: 4
liked it
Average Rating: 3.1/5
User Ratings: 73,089
My Rating
Movie Info
Rex Harrison, although not at all like the portly man described in Hugh Lofting's charming series of children's stories, is sheer perfection as the kindly animal doctor in Leslie Bricusse's musical fantasy Doctor Dolittle. Sadly, Harrison is the only thing nearing perfection in this overstuffed and over-mounted fiasco that nearly brought down 20th Century Fox. Considered a lunatic because he can converse in 498 animal dialects, Dolittle gathers up his friends Matthew Mugg (Anthony Newley) and
G,
Action & Adventure, Classics, Comedy, Kids & Family, Musical & Performing Arts, Science Fiction & Fantasy
Dec 19, 1967 Wide
Oct 31, 2000
20th Century Fox
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Cast
-
Rex Harrison
Dr. John Dolittle -
Samantha Eggar
Emma Fairfax -
Anthony Newley
Matthew Mugg -
Richard Attenborough
Albert Blossom -
Peter Bull
Gen. Bellowes -
Geoffrey Holder
Willie Shakespeare -
Muriel Landers
Mrs. blossom -
William Dix
Tommy Stubbins -
Portia Nelson
Sarah Dolittle -
Norma Varden
Lady Petherington -
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All Critics (19) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (13) | DVD (4)
Leslie Bricusse's adaptation retains the delightful aspects while taking considerable liberty with the plot. His music and lyrics, while containing no smash hits, are admirably suited to the scenario.
Top CriticIt's so clumsy and pounding that taking a child to it might be grounds for a visit from family services.
[It] almost bankrupted the studio when audiences stayed away in droves. In retrospect, it's not hard to see why.
The music is not exceptional, the rendering of the songs lacks variety, and the pace, under Richard Fleischer's direction, is slow and without surprise. Indeed, toward the end it is perfunctory. Things happen mechanically.
Animal-friendly, kid-friendly classic.
One of the worst films to be ever nominated for the Best Picture Oscar and one of the weakest Hollywood musicals of the 1960s.
Not even a decent performance from Richard Attenborough can save this disappointing production.
Doctor Dolittle might be a little woolly at times but it's impossible not to be impressed by Rex Harrison and his marvellous menagerie.
Will put the kids to sleep, but may kill you.
Glossy, overlong, but still fun kids' musical with Rex Harrison in good form.
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The lush sets and presentation are a big disconnect with the silly story, but that ultimately turns out to be part of the joy of the movie.
A major factor in the death of the film musical.
Unfortunately -- even as escapist fare -- it's a failure due to its lifeless, meandering plot, and characters.
Audience Reviews for Doctor Dolittle
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Foreign Titles
- Doctor Dolittle (1967) (DE)
- Doctor Dolittle (1967) (UK)
