This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

The story-telling is good with flashbacks.The film is both funny and heartbreaking. You smile in a scene and get a soulcrushing revelation in the next.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

It's simply great fun, a winsome film and an occasionally over-the-top luxury fantasy that never flags.

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!

I don't know why it struck me so odd, but did you notice that everyone in the picture pronounced the title character 'Dr. Low', including Dr. Lao himself? That is, all except for the young Mike Benedict (Kevin Tate), who pronounced it the way it appears to look - 'Dr. Lau'. I don't know if there's any significance to that within the context of the story, but it struck me nevertheless.The film utilizes one of those familiar old Western movie themes in which an evil town boss conspires to buy out all of his neighbors with the prospect of making a killing when the railroad comes through the area. After that, it's pretty much all fantasy as an elderly Chinaman arrives with his magical circus to turn the tables on the villain. The story line utilizes a number of metaphors to contrast the circus with life in general, like 'The whole world is a circus if you know how to look at it', or as the Giant Serpent explains to his look-alike villain Stark (Arthur O'Connell) - the circus is like a mirror, you see yourself in it.The host of Turner Classics who introduced the story, Ben Mankiewicz, stated that director George Pal wanted Peter Sellers for the Dr. Lao role, but was extremely pleased with the way Tony Randall handled the chore. It was cool to see Randall as one of the circus customers watching the show under the Big Top, a clever touch in keeping with the theme of the story.Considering the era, some of Dr. Lao's characters have sort of a hokey look like that Abominable Snowman, but over all there's a whimsical quality to the performers that gives the movie a magical touch, the kind Dr. Lao himself attempts to convey to the citizens of Abalone. After all, if you can haul a trout out of a dry stream bed, you can just about do anything.

The year was 1964 when a very special circus came to town. The movie was called " The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao. " As an audience member I was forever impressed and enthralled by the sheer genius of the story originally written by Charles J. Finney. Super talented Tony Randall gives a commanding and truly fantastic performance playing an ancient Chineese Faiker named Dr. Lao. In this magical role, he also plays Merlin / Pan / Abominable Snowman / Medusa / Giant Serpent and Apollonius of Tyana. Ariving in a Southerwestern town, he set out to bring the good citizens of Abalone hope and encouragement. Arthur O'Connell plays Clinton Stark, a rich greedy businessman out to steal the town for himself. John Doucette and Royal Dano play his hired hands out to bully the town-folks. Surprisingly, they prove excellent contributing actors. John Ericson is the city Editor who with Noah Beery Jr, are out to defend the populous with their newspaper. Barbara Eden plays Angela Benedict, mother to fatherless Mike, her son, who learns 'the whole world is a circus, if you look at it the right way'. Yet, it's the mythical characters of the film which add a believable quality to this exceptional movie. Added is the inner fable tale called 'The Fall of Waldercan.' Any fan of the director George Pal, can easily recognize 'Atlantis ' within this truly Classic movie. *****

This is a wonderful film. I can't believe Tony Randall did not win an Oscar for it. He had so much talent and must have worked hard on this film. It's sad to know that those days for making this kind of film are long gone.The film makes you realise that the earth is a magical place and full of wonder.In a few words,it has more to say than any religion.The music score fits in well with the film.It tugs at the heart.When I first saw the film more than twenty-five years ago, it made such an impression on me and then I watched it again last night and I thought,if only the children of to-day would appreciate it.When will we get back the simplicity and enjoyment of this kind of entertainment.I wish the film had been given better recognition.