Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation
Starring: Rex Harrison, Anthony Newley, Samantha Eggar, William Dix
Directed by: Richard Fleischer
Synopsis: The classic film version of Hugh Lofting’s stories about an English veterinarian named Dr. Dolittle (Rex Harrison) who can converse with animals, which causes him to come under fire from skeptics and naysayers, particularly the outspoken General Bellowes (Peter Bull). On the Doctor’s side are the local fish and meat vendor Matthew Mugg (Anthony Newley), Matt’s friend, young Tommy Stubbins (William Dix) and General Bellowes’ niece Emma Fairfax (Samantha Eggar), all of whom eventually accompany Dr. Dolittle on his sea voyage to find the Great Pink Sea Snail.
Cat Cattle Call: While there are obviously many animals in this film, cats are not spotlighted in many scenes with Doctor Dolittle himself. But to make up for this, cats are prominently featured in the opening scene in which Matt wheels his fish barrow (with the sign “Matthew Mugg – Top Quality Meat and Fish for Discerning Cats and Dogs”) beside the harbor of Puddleby-on-the-Marsh. A large group of cats follow him and Tommy, a couple of the cats even riding in the barrow itself. Matt lovingly takes the time to feed the kitties before heading off to complete his deliveries.
Kitty Cameos: There are a couple of quick moments with cats in scenes with The Doctor. If you look closely you can see a cat sitting on a table by the ramp behind the Doctor as he talks about being a vegetarian during his first song and it can later be seen sleeping on the back of the couch by Tommy Stubbins. Later, in a pivotal moment when the Doctor decides to become a veterinarian in a flashback scene, he picks up a cat and holds it in his arms.
Final Mewsings: Cats prefer eating fish over going to the doctor.
Relevant Links:
