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Poster for The 5,000 Fingers of Dr T.
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The 5,000 Fingers of Dr T.

Director: Roy Rowland Run Time: 89 min. Format: 35mm Rating: NR Release Year: 1953

Starring: Hans Conried, Mary Healy, Peter Lind Hayes, Tommy Rettig

A young boy dreams his piano teacher is a super-villain in Dr. Seuss’ musical fantasy film THE 5000 FINGERS OF DR. T.

A 35mm presentation.

It may not be the best known of children’s musicals but this musical fantasy film but the only feature written by Dr. Seuss is quite extraordinary. Filled with surreal landscapes and tongue-twisting rhymes, you’ll recognize the signature visual and narrative style for which Dr. Seuss is famous. The film features Young Bart Collins, lulled to sleep by the monotony of his piano lessons, dreams of a castle ruled by his piano teacher, the eccentric Dr. Teriwilliker. Dr. T is determined to prove that his “Happy Fingers Method” of teaching piano is the best method in the world. Having banished all other musical instruments to the dungeon, Dr. T lures 500 reluctant little boys to perform in a colossal concert on the grandest grand piano ever built. In his effort to escape, Bart comes in contact with some of the strangest characters imaginable – Siamese twins on roller skates, a human drum and the most memorable villain since the “Grinch”.

Part of Nitehawk’s April MUSICAL BRUNCH series.

Trailer