In 1845, in the small port town of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh, England, Matthew Mugg brings his young friend Tommy Stubbins with him when he takes an injured duck to his … See more

• Rex Harrison as Doctor John Dolittle, an eccentric veterinarian who can communicate with animals
• Samantha Eggar as Emma Fairfax (singing voice … See more

The film's first test screening took place in September 1967 at the Mann Theatre in Minneapolis, and it was a failure. The audience consisted … See more

The film had its official Royal World Charity Premiere on December 12, 1967, at the Odeon Marble Arch in London, with Queen Elizabeth II in attendance. On December 19, it had … See more

Development
As early as 1922, Fox Film Corporation made Hugh Lofting an offer for the film rights to Doctor Dolittle. Decades later, Walt Disney sought … See more

The lyrics and music for Doctor Dolittle were composed by Leslie Bricusse, and the music was scored and conducted by Lionel Newman and Alexander Courage. In the original cut of the film, Dolittle and Emma eventually begin a relationship, and he sings a song … See more

Critical reaction
Reviewing the film for The New York Times, Bosley Crowther said: "The music is not exceptional, … See more