The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. - Beyond Tiki

V vintagegirl Tiki Socialite Los Angeles Joined: Jun 12, 2002 Posts: 542	V vintagegirl Posted posted on Mon, Mar 14, 2005 7:06 AM Just saw this movie for the first time at the Aero theater in Santa Monica (now part of the American Cinematheque). It was insane. Here's a synopsis: "Conceived, written and designed by the legendary Dr Seuss, The 5000 Fingers of Dr T is a true cult classic and one of the strangest films for children ever made. Set in suburban America, young Bart is transported to the mysterious and musical world of the evil Dr Terwilliker, a piano teacher-cum-despot with plans to enslave 500 boys to play in unison on his giant piano. With ravishing production design and filmed in Technicolor, this is a perfect family film with plenty to keep the adults amused, too from the hilarious moments of post-War paranoia to Seuss's obsession with Freud and Jung. Fans of The Simpsons should remember that it is no coincidence that their hero is another Bart and that his sworn enemy is one Sideshow Bob Terwilliger!" There was also a crazy modern dance number about kids that wanted to play other instruments besides the piano with very Dr. Seuss-ian instruments forming a symphony. (Unfortunately, the piano does get a bad rap in this film.) Another great number was when Dr. T gets dressed for the grand opening ceremony. (He's a bit of a clothes horse.) And of course, being 1953 and all, Atomic energy does play a part in saving the day. My only fear is that Jim Carrey will see this and want to remake it so he can play Dr. T. himself. Some things just don't need remaking. [ Edited by: vintagegirl on 2005-03-14 07:16 ]

Just saw this movie for the first time at the Aero theater in Santa Monica (now part of the American Cinematheque). It was insane. Here's a synopsis:

"Conceived, written and designed by the legendary Dr Seuss, The 5000 Fingers of Dr T is a true cult classic and one of the strangest films for children ever made. Set in suburban America, young Bart is transported to the mysterious and musical world of the evil Dr Terwilliker, a piano teacher-cum-despot with plans to enslave 500 boys to play in unison on his giant piano. With ravishing production design and filmed in Technicolor, this is a perfect family film with plenty to keep the adults amused, too from the hilarious moments of post-War paranoia to Seuss's obsession with Freud and Jung. Fans of The Simpsons should remember that it is no coincidence that their hero is another Bart and that his sworn enemy is one Sideshow Bob Terwilliger!"

There was also a crazy modern dance number about kids that wanted to play other instruments besides the piano with very Dr. Seuss-ian instruments forming a symphony. (Unfortunately, the piano does get a bad rap in this film.) Another great number was when Dr. T gets dressed for the grand opening ceremony. (He's a bit of a clothes horse.) And of course, being 1953 and all, Atomic energy does play a part in saving the day.

My only fear is that Jim Carrey will see this and want to remake it so he can play Dr. T. himself. Some things just don't need remaking.

[ Edited by: vintagegirl on 2005-03-14 07:16 ]

Post #146602 by vintagegirl on Mon, Mar 14, 2005 7:06 AM