Laikals The greatest movie ever made..!

BroadcastChic Excellent, a Must See

Seraherrera The movie is wonderful and true, an act of love in all its contradictions and complexity

Robert Joyner The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

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!

blueish35 Many critics thought little of this movie as a whole and would instead cite Randall's tour-de-force as the single positive. I know someone who feels the film pales in comparison with the book but I don't think he was really familiar with the movie. I have yet to finish the book as I am possibly the slowest reader in existence. I am on the other hand very familiar with the movie. I've scene it 30 times at the very least. As a 8 year old I saw it at least three times at the theater, I was a buff from a very early age. I've seen it a couple times a year for last four years and I saw it two weeks ago. It stands the test of time. For me, it's a close tie with 1937's The Prince and the Pauper as the greatest "kids" movie ever. Both are perfectly thrilling entertainment with remarkably deep messages for audiences of all ages. Nobody can argue with the Academy's nominees for that year but it seems cruel that there wasn't room for Tony. It's a beautiful, heart-felt performance that never tarnishes. I've read enough of the book to know that the movie has been "Hollywoodized" but the basic lesson is not lost. It's one of the greatest movie ever made on the order 1924's The Thief of Bagdad or 1938's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer or 1941's The Devil and Daniel Webster or 1956's Forbidden Planet.

LeonLouisRicci This is the most thought provoking and under seen George Pal Fantasy. It is one of those Gems that has fallen through the cracks of Time. But even in its initial release Audiences stayed away and Critics were not kind. These things are difficult to analyze. It is a fickle Movie going Public out there and one never knows.The Movie does not have the wide appeal that his other Hits like The Time Machine (1960), War of the Worlds (1953), and others. It is an introspective, Philosophical, and deep discussion on many Personal and Sociological traits that at times can be uncomfortable for some.This is a charming, well written, superbly mounted, surreal Movie that is sparse in its scope but vast in its ability to provoke and stimulate thought. It is thematically ahead of its time and is colorful and playful while unleashing insights and profound truths. Its attraction is the way it paradoxically fuses so many deep Subjects with such a lighthearted appeal.Tony Randall's excellent Performance in multiple roles, a Fantasy Template that will appeal to the Kid in everyone, and such an off kilter Film from the early Sixties that was frankly an Artistic Wasteland at the time, are some of the many reasons to seek this out and enjoy on so many levels. It truly has 7 Faces...at least.

moonspinner55 Charles G. Finney's book "The Circus of Dr. Lao" becomes a near tour de force for Tony Randall, here playing a succession of roles and obviously enjoying himself immensely. A western town full of rowdies is perplexed by a visit from a traveling circus show, where magic is the order of the day. George Pal production looks terrific (especially in widescreen) and the costumes, special effects, and make-up tricks are each first-rate. However, there's not much going on at the center of the story--and we don't feel much for the mysterious Dr. Lao (nothing is at stake for him, he's too chattily self-assured). The supporting cast is mainly around to fill up seats in the theater, though Barbara Eden looks very attractive and there are some great western character actors on-board, including Douglas Fowley and Dal McKennon. The art direction and production design are very handsome and almost save the show. As for Randall, he's intentionally over-the-top, full of energy and enthusiasm; as an actor, Randall never got the proper chance to show off like this again, and he relishes the opportunity. ** from ****