Directed by the curiously untalented but always employed Richard Fleischer, DOCTOR DOLITTLE is a nerve numbing experience with Rex Harrison as a veterinarian who can literally talk to his patients. WHY would he WANT to? Harrison is fine, if a bit stodgy, as he sings/talks his way through a few innocuous faux-show-tunes. Unfortunately, he's surrounded by some pretty crude production values. The special effects are not very special but will likely thrill three year olds. The Push Me-Pull Me is not very convincing and frequently acts like a couple of drunken guests at a Halloween party. The giant snail is clearly some sort of motorized tug. Worst of all is the presence of the singularly untalented Anthony Newley. Proving definitively that he's the Donald O'Connor of England, the always annoying Newley doesn't fail to deliver...he's very annoying. 'Nuf said on that. Inexplicably, this thing was nominated for a slew of Oscars against such films as BONNIE AND CLYDE and THE GRADUATE!
BIG QUESTION: WHAT is Samantha Eggar doing in this film? After making such a strong impact in THE COLLECTOR, Eggar is relegated to supporting Harrison and his motley, sometimes obviously fake, menagerie of animals. Her agent should have been fed to the giant snail.
BIG QUESTION: WHAT is Samantha Eggar doing in this film? After making such a strong impact in THE COLLECTOR, Eggar is relegated to supporting Harrison and his motley, sometimes obviously fake, menagerie of animals. Her agent should have been fed to the giant snail.