7 Faces of Dr. Lao

7 Faces of Dr. Lao

Year: 1964

Runtime: 100 mins

Language: English

Director: George Pal

WesternFantasyFamilyWesternsSurreal and thought-provoking visions of life and death

When the enigmatic Dr. Lao rides into Abalone, Arizona, the townsfolk hurriedly bolt their doors and shut their windows. His traveling circus of mythical beasts and a magical mirror forces each resident to confront a distorted reflection of their own hopes, fears and hidden selves, changing the community forever.

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Timeline & Setting – 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)

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Time period

Location

Abalone, Arizona

Abalone is a small desert town in Arizona centered around a local newspaper. It feels quiet but is ripe with tension as a railroad comes to town and a wealthy rancher eyes the land. The town's identity and its water supply become focal points of a debate that pits growth against community values.

🏜️ Desert town 🗞️ Newspaper town

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:09

Main Characters – 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)

Meet the key characters of 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Dr. Lao

A mysterious, ancient illusionist who arrives with a traveling circus and speaks through multiple faces. He uses parables to challenge the townspeople’s assumptions and to reveal deeper truths about greed, fear, and wonder. His performances transform ordinary life into a reflection on what truly matters.

🎭 Fantasy 🧭 Wisdom

Edward Cunningham

The editor of Abalone’s newspaper, initially wary of Lao and protective of the town’s independence. He embodies civic courage and moral steadiness, choosing to confront power with truth and support the community’s capacity to choose its future. His warmth toward Angela hints at a deeper personal stake in Abalone’s fate.

🗞️ Newspaper 🤝 Civic

Angela Benedict

Widow, librarian, and schoolteacher who anchors the town’s intellectual and social life. She suppresses her flirtation with Cunningham while remaining steadfast in her care for the town and her son. Angela embodies resilience, compassion, and a wary but hopeful vision of communal life.

👩‍🏫 Education ❤️ Romance

Clinton Stark

Wealthy rancher with inside information about a forthcoming railroad and a plan to buy the town. He wields money and intimidation to push his agenda, embodying the threat of modernization turned mercenary. His manipulation is challenged as the town chooses its future.

💰 Wealth 🗽 Power

Mike Benedict

Angela’s young son who finds wonder in Lao and discovers the older, wiser side of life through the circus. He learns about perception and reality as he helps reveal Lao’s age and the magic within ordinary events. Mike’s curiosity drives some of the film’s emotional beats.

👦 Curiosity 🧸 Wonder

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:09

Major Themes – 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)

Explore the central themes of 7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💰 Greed vs Community

Clinton Stark embodies greed, using his insider knowledge to threaten Abalone's future for profit. The town's vote becomes a test of whether collective well-being can prevail over individual wealth. Lao's parables illuminate the costs of letting money decide the town’s fate. Ultimately, the community's willingness to stand together overrides Stark's plans.

🎭 Illusion vs Reality

Dr. Lao's multi-faced performances blur the line between illusion and truth, pushing townspeople to question what they see. The circus imagery invites introspection about appearances, beliefs, and the real meaning of life. Mike's and Angela's reactions reveal how fear and desire can distort judgment. The real magic lies in recognizing what matters beyond spectacle.

🚂 Change & Modernization

The approaching railroad symbolizes progress and disruption threatening Abalone's way of life. The debate over modernization tests the town's resilience and its willingness to adapt without losing its identity. Dr. Lao's lessons suggest that progress should honor wisdom and community needs. The story frames change as an invitation to grow rather than an invasion.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:09

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7 Faces of Dr. Lao Summary

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7 Faces of Dr. Lao Summary

7 Faces of Dr. Lao Timeline

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7 Faces of Dr. Lao Timeline

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7 Faces of Dr. Lao (1964) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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