7 Faces Of Dr. Lao (1964)

A mysterious elderly Chinese gentleman (Tony Randall) comes to a small rural town in Arizona. He brings with him his small circus of mythological creatures. His visit will change the lives of the townsfolk. Based on THE CIRCUS OF DR. LAO by Charles G. Finney and directed by George Pal (THE TIME MACHINE). This good natured family friendly fantasy film serves as a showcase for Randall who plays six different roles. Although credited to him, the seventh creature of the abominable snowman is actually played by the director's son, Peter Pal. Although not as well known as Ray Harryhausen, the stop motion animator Jim Danforth provided the Oscar nominated visual effects. It's perhaps a bit heavy handed when it should be magical but overall, it's a solid entry in the fantasy genre. With Barbara Eden whose sexual awakening briefly threatens to take the film out of family friendly viewing, John Ericson, Arthur O'Connell, Lee Patrick, Royal Dano, John Doucette and Minerva Urecal.