Doctor Dolittle (1967 film) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Doctor Dolittle
Theatrical release poster by Tom Chantrell
Directed by	Richard Fleischer
Produced by	Arthur P. Jacobs
Screenplay by	Leslie Bricusse
Starring	Rex Harrison Samantha Eggar Anthony Newley Richard Attenborough
Music by	Leslie Bricusse Lionel Newman Alexander Courage
Cinematography	Robert L. Surtees
Editing by	Samuel E. Beetley Marjorie Fowler
Studio	APJAC Productions
Distributed by	20th Century Fox
Release date(s)	December 12, 1967 (1967-12-12) (London premiere) December 19, 1967 (1967-12-19) (United States)
Running time	152 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$17 million
Money made	$9 million

Doctor Dolittle (also known as Dr. Dolittle) is a musical comedy film from 1967. It was directed by Richard Fleischer and stars Rex Harrison as the main character. The movie is based on the popular novel series by Hugh Lofting. It combines stories from three of his books: The Story of Doctor Dolittle, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle, and Doctor Dolittle's Circus.

Making the film was quite a challenge! It took many years to get started. The movie faced lots of problems during filming. These included difficult locations, special requests from the main actor, and the huge number of animals needed for the story. The film ended up costing much more than planned.

Doctor Dolittle first showed in London on December 12, 1967. Even though it earned $9 million, it didn't make enough money to cover its high costs. The film got many negative reviews from critics. However, it still received nine Academy Awards nominations, including for Best Picture. It won awards for Best Original Song and Best Visual Effects.

Story of Doctor Dolittle

The film's story takes place in early Victorian England. Matthew Mugg (Anthony Newley) brings his young friend Tommy Stubbins (William Dix) to meet the unusual Doctor John Dolittle (Rex Harrison). The doctor is known for talking to animals. He lives with many animal friends, including a chimpanzee named Chee-Chee, a dog named Jip, and a talking parrot named Polynesia.

Doctor Dolittle used to be a regular doctor for people. But he loved animals so much that his house became a mini-zoo! His human patients stopped coming, and his sister even left because of all the animals. Polynesia the parrot taught him that animals have their own languages. This inspired Dolittle to learn them all and become an animal doctor. Now, he plans a big trip to find the legendary Great Pink Sea Snail.

One day, Dolittle helps a horse with poor eyesight. But the horse's owner, General Bellowes (Peter Bull), gets angry. He accuses Dolittle of protecting a fox and her babies from his fox hunt. General Bellowes' niece, Emma Fairfax (Samantha Eggar), is upset by Dolittle's rude behavior. However, Matthew Mugg falls in love with Emma right away.

An American Indian friend sends Dolittle a rare Pushmi-pullyu. This creature looks like a llama with a head at both ends! Dolittle takes it to a nearby circus run by Albert Blossom (Richard Attenborough). The Pushmi-Pullyu becomes a huge star. At the circus, Dolittle also helps a seal named Sophie. She misses her husband at the North Pole. Dolittle helps Sophie escape and get back to the ocean.

However, fishermen see Dolittle throwing Sophie (disguised in clothes) into the sea. They think he has committed a crime and have him arrested. General Bellowes is the judge in the case. Dolittle proves he can talk to animals by speaking with Bellowes' own dog. He reveals secrets only the dog and Bellowes would know. Dolittle is found innocent of the crime. But the angry judge still sends him to a special hospital.

Dolittle's animal friends help him escape. He, Matthew, Tommy, Polynesia, Chee-Chee, and Jip then set sail. Emma, who is now very interested in Dolittle, secretly joins them. They are searching for Sea-Star Island, a floating island. Their ship gets damaged in a big storm.

Everyone washes ashore on Sea-Star Island. Emma and Dolittle realize they have feelings for each other. They meet the island's natives. The islanders are very smart and cultured from reading books that have washed up from shipwrecks. Their leader is William Shakespeare the Tenth (Geoffrey Holder). He explains that the island is drifting north into colder waters. All the animals on the island are sick. The islanders blame Dolittle and his friends.

Dolittle convinces a whale to push the island south. This causes a large rock to fall into a volcano. This fulfills an old prediction that said Dolittle and his friends would face trouble. But the whale's push also makes the island connect to the mainland. This fulfills another prediction, making Dolittle and his friends heroes! They are set free.

While helping the sick animals on the island, Dolittle finds the Great Pink Sea Snail. It also has a bad cold. Dolittle discovers the snail's shell is waterproof and can carry passengers. He sends Matthew, Tommy, Emma, Polynesia, Chee-Chee, and Jip back to England with the snail. Emma wants to stay with Dolittle, but he insists a relationship won't work. She finally tells him how she feels and kisses him goodbye. Dolittle can't go back to England yet because he is still wanted. He also wants to study the Giant Luna Moth. After his friends leave, Dolittle realizes he truly cares for Emma.

Later, Sophie the seal returns with her husband. They bring good news: the animals of England have gone on strike to protest Dolittle's sentence. General Bellowes has agreed to pardon him. Dolittle and the islanders build a saddle for the Giant Luna Moth. Dolittle rides the giant moth all the way back to England.

Main Characters

• Rex Harrison as Doctor John Dolittle: A kind doctor who can talk to animals.
• Samantha Eggar as Emma Fairfax: A woman who becomes friends with Doctor Dolittle. Her singing voice was performed by Diana Lee.
• Anthony Newley as Matthew Mugg: A friend of Doctor Dolittle.
• Richard Attenborough as Albert Blossom: The owner of the circus.
• Peter Bull as General Bellowes: The judge and Emma's uncle.
• William Dix as Tommy Stubbins: Matthew Mugg's young friend.
• Geoffrey Holder as William Shakespeare X: The leader of the natives on Sea-Star Island.
• Portia Nelson as Sarah Dolittle: Doctor Dolittle's sister.
• Ginny Tyler as the voice of Polynesia: Doctor Dolittle's talking parrot.

Music from the Film

The songs and music for Doctor Dolittle were created by Leslie Bricusse. The music was conducted by Lionel Newman. After early showings, audiences felt the movie was too long. So, some parts of the songs were cut to make the film flow better. For example, "Something in Your Smile" was shortened.

The movie's soundtrack was released before the film premiered. Many famous singers recorded "Talk to the Animals," including Bobby Darin and Andy Williams. Sammy Davis Jr. even recorded a whole album of songs from the movie.

In 2017, a special 50th Anniversary Expanded Soundtrack was released. It included many demo versions and alternative takes of the songs.

Stage Show

In 1998, Doctor Dolittle was turned into a stage musical. Phillip Schofield played Doctor Dolittle. Julie Andrews provided the voice for Polynesia the parrot, and amazing animatronic animals were created by Jim Henson's Creature Shop. The show ran for 400 performances in London. It was one of the most expensive musicals ever made at that time.

See also

In Spanish: Doctor Dolittle (película de 1967) para niños