Watch Doctor Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle is a 1967 musical fantasy adventure film based on the classic children's book series by Hugh Lofting. The film follows the eccentric veterinarian, Doctor John Dolittle, who discovers he can speak to animals after treating his pet parrot, Polynesia. He embarks on a mission to find the Great Pink Sea Snail and ends up on a series of thrilling and hilarious adventures with his animal friends.

The film is directed by Richard Fleischer and stars Rex Harrison as Doctor Dolittle. Harrison delivers a charming and charismatic performance, bringing the beloved character to life with his impressive vocal range and impeccable comedic timing. Samantha Eggar plays Emma Fairfax, a young woman who becomes Doctor Dolittle's love interest and Anthony Newley plays Matthew Mugg, Doctor Dolittle's loyal friend and apprentice.

The film begins with a captivating animated introduction that sets the tone for the whimsical adventure that is about to unfold. Doctor Dolittle is introduced as a quirky and reclusive veterinarian who lives alone in his mansion with his animals. He is known around town as a strange and eccentric man who talks to animals, much to the confusion of the locals.

After treating his pet parrot Polynesia, Doctor Dolittle discovers that he can not only understand what animals say, but he can also speak their language. He is elated by this newfound ability and becomes determined to find the Great Pink Sea Snail, a mythical creature that he believes holds the key to solving all of humanity's problems.

Doctor Dolittle sets off on a journey across the sea with his animal friends, including a pushmi-pullyu, a two-headed llama-like creature, a seal, a dog, and a horse. Along the way, they encounter a series of challenges and obstacles, including a shipwreck, a giant octopus, and a band of pirates.

As Doctor Dolittle's journey progresses, he develops a close bond with Emma Fairfax, a beautiful young woman who shares his love for animals. However, their relationship is threatened by the cynical and jealous Matthew Mugg, who sees Emma as a threat to their friendship.

Despite the challenges they face, Doctor Dolittle remains determined to find the Great Pink Sea Snail and save humanity from its problems. He is aided by his animal friends who help him navigate through treacherous waters and defeat dangerous enemies.

The film is a delightful and whimsical adventure that captures the magic of the classic children's book series. The musical numbers are catchy and engaging, with standout tracks including "Talk to the Animals" and "I've Never Seen Anything Like It." The film also features impressive special effects, including animatronic animals and seamless green screen work, which bring the world of Doctor Dolittle to life in a vivid and imaginative way.

Overall, Doctor Dolittle is a charming and entertaining film that appeals to audiences of all ages. Rex Harrison's iconic performance as the titular character is a joy to watch, and the film's engaging plot and memorable musical numbers make it a classic that stands the test of time.

Doctor Dolittle is a 1967 music movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 32 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 34.