In the 1964 George Pal fantasy "7 Faces of Dr. Lao," the early 20th century Western town of Abalone seems to get a very unusual visitor. He is Dr. Lao, who claims to be 7,322 years old and who can control the actions of men and machines with a finger snap. The circus that he brings along with him is one that changes the lives of Abalone's citizens forever, after revealing things to the townspeople about themselves that they had never suspected. Lao's circus is comprised of a doddering Merlin, the Greek god Pan, the Abominable Snowman, the snake-haired Medusa, a talking serpent, and the seer Apollonius of Tyana, who delivers, to an old biddy, possibly the most deliciously morbid piece of fortune-telling in screen history. These six, as well as Dr. Lao himself AND a blank-faced audience member, are all played by Tony Randall in what Danny Peary, in his "Guide for the Film Fanatic," says "may be the finest performance in a fantasy film." (Randall IS terrific here, but personally, I would give that award to Margaret Hamilton's performance in a certain flying-monkey movie of 1939!) Randall is ably abetted here by a fine cast that includes Barbara Eden (one year pre-"Jeannie"), John Ericson (one year pre-"Honey West") and the great character actor Arthur O'Connell. Typical for a Pal production, the picture has wonderful special FX (especially that rampaging, ever-expanding sea serpent!), and William Tuttle's Oscar-winning makeup creations are truly wondrous to behold. On the downside, the film suffers, I feel, from having too light a tone, and could possibly be 15 minutes or so shorter and more compact. Still, this is a charming, thought-provoking entertainment, perfectly suited for watching with the kiddies. Recommended.
Review of 7 Faces of Dr. Lao
