The Seven Faces of Dr. Lao

We finally got around to watching this movie, which I chose on a whim from Netflix.  I can't recommend it enough; it's amazing on multiple levels.  This 1964 production stars Tony Randall in at least eight distinct roles (each with different makeup and costuming), plus at least four different interpretations of the mysterious "Dr. Lao" (pronounced "Low", if you please).  You've never seen a Western like this.  There are no gunfights (although there's a little rough-housing); as many people ride bicycles as ride horses.  It's about a small town, which the local rich man wants to buy up; it's about a fighting newspaperman and a lovely widowed librarian with a plucky little boy.  And it's about the Circus of Dr. Lao, who rides into town one day on a donkey, with a goldfish bowl containing a catfish balanced on his saddlebow, and buys full-page ads in the newspaper... 

If I tell you any more I'll blow the plot, which would be a shame.  You can look it up on IMDB if you're curious.  But the camera work is marvellous, the acting is good (Tony Randall is better than good) and the special effects -  wow.  George Pal, the director, used to work with Ray Harryhausen.  Harryhausen didn't work on this film, but I've seen some of the films he did, and this one is a match for any of them.  It got an Oscar nomination for Best Effects, Special Visual Effects, but was beaten out by Mary Poppins.  I've seen both films, and I'm not sure I buy the vote.  Rent this one and treat yourself to a magical evening.