The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.

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The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.

G

Released Jan 1, 1953

1h 28m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

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Popcornmeter

83%

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18 Reviews

74%

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2,500+ Ratings

A young boy who detests taking piano lessons, Bart Collins (Tommy Rettig) has developed a deep suspicion of his strict instructor, Dr. Terwilliker (Hans Conried). Raised by his single mother, Heloise (Mary Healy), Bart looks up to the local plumber August Zabladowski (Peter Lind Hayes). When Bart ends up in a Seussian dreamworld, he must join with Zabladowski to rescue his mom from Dr. T's clutches and stop his plan to force 500 boys to play a massive piano in perpetuity.

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Bob Thomas

Associated Press

A rare treat for movie goers of all ages.

Jun 24, 2019

Full Review

Tim Brayton

Alternate Ending

Lively and peculiar enough to feel like a worthy experiment in trying to make Seuss-style visuals work in live-action.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 9, 2024

Full Review

Roy Ringer

Illustrated Daily News (Los Angeles)

A lion's share of the credit is certainly due Dr. Suess, the writer of children's stories, who did the story, screenplay and lyrics.

Jul 13, 2021

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Rachel Wagner

Rachel's Reviews (YouTube)

It's fun, and it's creative, and it's bonkers, and I really enjoyed it.

Rated: 6.5/10

May 13, 2019

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: B

Feb 23, 2013

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Charles Cassady

Common Sense Media

Colorful, culty Dr. Seuss Hollywood original.

Rated: 4/5

Aug 26, 2010

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Jose B

There's a moment when you are not really sure if you are watching a film intented for Kids and families or you are watching a nightmare targeting adult audiences. There's something very tripy around this odd and unique film. Columbia wanted to have its own "Wizard of Oz" and ended up having an hallucinating nightmare. Don't miss it if you are into weird films. The Blu-ray has a great transfer and the colors are brilliant

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

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Julie B

Well, to think this was created in 1953. I remember watching it as a kid - it went way over my head then. I have watched it quite a few times now - lavish, over the top sets, clever musical numbers, tons of innuendo perhaps ?!? - crazy. I can see why it's a cult hit now.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/22/24

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mike b

I recall seeing it sometime in the late 50s, probably a summer matinee offering. I loved it probably because I was near Bart's age. I often wondered if any one would show it on TV. After 50years of wondering, I finally broke down and bought it on DVD. If someone has to explain to a viewer why 5000 Fingers is a charming, enjoyable, story, then they should look to their own childhood to discover the short circuit.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/02/23

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Courtney K

i'll be honest... i don't know how to rate this. this was a trip, lol. i wasn't prepared; the kid sang pretty good, though.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

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Audience Member

Co-written by Dr Seuss. Fantasy.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/17/23

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Audience Member

I saw it at the age of 5 at a drive-in and believe me, it made an impression. Seeing it as an adult, not so much, but still a unique piece of work. Dr. Seuss didn't care for the finished product, but it just wasn't his medium although he put a lot of work into this movie.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

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Roy Rowland

Director

Peter Lind Hayes

August Zabladowski

Hans Conried

Dr. Terwilliker (Dr. T)

Tommy Rettig

Bart Collins

Mary Healy

Mrs. Collins

Jack Heasley

Uncle Whitney

Tom Thumb

100%

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Synopsis

A young boy who detests taking piano lessons, Bart Collins (Tommy Rettig) has developed a deep suspicion of his strict instructor, Dr. Terwilliker (Hans Conried). Raised by his single mother, Heloise (Mary Healy), Bart looks up to the local plumber August Zabladowski (Peter Lind Hayes). When Bart ends up in a Seussian dreamworld, he must join with Zabladowski to rescue his mom from Dr. T's clutches and stop his plan to force 500 boys to play a massive piano in perpetuity.

Director: Roy Rowland
Producer: Stanley Kramer
Screenwriter: Allan Scott, Dr. Seuss, Dr. Seuss
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Production Co: Columbia Pictures, Stanley Kramer Company
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 1, 1953, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 16, 2012
Runtime: 1h 28m

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