The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T

The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T is a surreal musical fantasy film that was released in 1953. The movie was directed by Roy Rowland, and it starred Peter Lind Hayes, Mary Healy, and Hans Conried. The screenplay was written by Dr. Seuss, who also designed the elaborate sets for the film.

The movie tells the story of a young boy named Bartholomew Collins who lives with his overbearing mother in a drab suburban home. Bartholomew is an aspiring pianist, and he dreams of playing the piano on a grand scale. However, his mother dismisses his dreams and forces him to take piano lessons from the eccentric Dr. Terwilliker (played by Hans Conried).

Dr. Terwilliker is a mad scientist who has built a massive piano with 5000 keys, which he plans to use to control the minds of children. He enlists Bartholomew's help in playing the piano and conducting a grand concert for 500 boys, who will be turned into his mindless slaves.

However, Bartholomew has other plans, and he teams up with a plumber named August Zabladowski (played by Peter Lind Hayes) to stop Dr. Terwilliker's evil plan. Together, they embark on a surreal adventure through a fantastical world of giant musical instruments, singing trees, and dancing birds.

The movie is known for its elaborate and imaginative sets, which were designed by Dr. Seuss himself. The sets have a whimsical, surreal quality that is similar to his children's books. The film features several catchy musical numbers, including the classic song "Doe, Rae, Me."

The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T was not a commercial success when it was released, and it was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by cult movie fans in the 1970s. Since then, the film has gained a cult following and is considered a classic of the fantasy genre.

One of the film's standout performances is by Hans Conried, who plays the villainous Dr. Terwilliker with over-the-top gusto. Conried's performance is a delight to watch, as he chews the scenery and delivers his lines with a theatrical flourish.

Peter Lind Hayes and Mary Healy also give charming performances as the plucky heroes of the film. Hayes brings a roguish charm to his role as the plumber August Zabladowski, and Healy is sweet and sympathetic as Bartholomew's mother.

Overall, The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T is a whimsical and entertaining musical fantasy film that will delight audiences of all ages. With its imaginative sets, catchy songs, and memorable performances, it is a must-see for fans of the fantasy genre.