Search - Leslie Bricusse :: Doctor Dolittle: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1967 Film)

Good score from an underrated film

Byron Kolln | the corner where Broadway meets Hollywood | 11/26/2003

(3 out of 5 stars)

"DOCTOR DOLITTLE was one of the most ambitious movie musicals made in the late 60's. Rex Harrison turned in a superb performance as the eccentric good doctor, with capable support from all-round entertainer Anthony Newley as well as the luminous actress Samantha Eggar.



The score, by Leslie Bricusse, is strong for the most part. Harrison performs his numbers in the speak-sing manner that he had turned into an artform during his MY FAIR LADY days, though Samantha Eggar's singing was partially-dubbed by vocal artist Diana Lee.



Anthony Newley sings the haunting "Beautiful Things"; Samantha Eggar is fetching with "At the Crossroads" (though the recording omits the spirited, angst-ridden 'If I Were a Man' that preceeds it in the movie); and Rex Harrison is wonderful with "Talk to the Animals".



Other golden moments in the score come from the thrilling "Fabulous Places" and the gentle lovesong "I Think I Like You". Anthony Newley infuses "After Today" with charm and joy to spare.



The soundtrack also includes the two songs cut from the final print of the movie ("Where are the Words?", and "Something in Your Smile"), as well as Samantha Eggar's verse in "Beautiful Things".



Highly-recommended."

Old old memories

Bucky Kubicek | Bronx, NY | 01/29/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I've been looking for this since I was 12 years old! I and my sister listened to Leslie Bricusse's At the Crossroads back in the early 70's. This album is soothing hilarious, and very kid-oriented. It's easy to sing along to, and "My Friend the Doctor" has as open airy broadway feeling along the lines of "Oliver" and "who will buy" Now that I have found this lost treasure I intend to share it with my son and daughter. It comes from an era devoid of sarcasm and pat answers. An era that just doesn't exist anymore. I recommend it highly."

"If only I could sing (with the animals)... joke. i love rex

The Cosmoknot | Scarsdale, NY United States | 04/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I, like so many others, loved this movie as a kid. And I, like so many others, love this movie still. I could not locate the wonderful music from the 1967 hit anywhere, until recently, when I saw this soundtrack and bought it immediately. Amazon, once again, I salute you for having the most wonderfully obscure things that are essential to my life.



But I forget. This is about the soundtrack. My brother and I have always danced about singing "My friend the doctor says, duh duh duh duh duh duh duh", the catchy opening song that sets a trend for the rest of the songs--- Anthony Newley co-wrote the songs- Anthony Newlety has the best songs. From his cheery opening, to the haunting Beautiful Things and uplifting After Today, you cannot help but love his (fake) Irish vibrato that really makes you soar.



If you are a fan of Rex Harrison, then you will really love the sing-songy/talk of the famous Talk to the Animals. If you arent accustomed to Rex's work, go buy My Fair Lady, learn to love it, and come back and listen to this. If you dislike Rex Harrison immensely, buy this CD for the other songs, and just skip his three big ones.



Rex's Like Animals is best seen, but is also really clever when heard. His other good song is When I Look in Your Eyes, a serenade for a seal, which is considered by an older Guatemalan Psychiatrist that I know, to be the greatest love song of all time.



The reason why this really wonderful soundtrack got a four? It was close to a five, but then I listened to some of the tracks betweened the excellent ones I mentioned. Save for (now Sir) Richard Attenborough's Ive Never Seen Anything Like It, they are mediocre. There is no way of getting around. The songs were not written for females (although many enjoy the pretty At the Crossroads), and others (including the finale) are too children's movie cute.



Save for my minor gripes, the Doctor Dolittle soundtrack is really a wonderful CD, filled with immensely talented actors singing memorable songs."