The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T.
Seen it?1953 | 89 min | Family, Fantasy, Music
Saturday Specialearly ratingWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (83% on Rotten Tomatoes), despite soft box office. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for fantasy fans and families. If you loved Steven Universe: The Movie, start here.
- The mood
- Feel-good.
- The pace
- Moves along nicely, at 1 hr 29 min.
- What might put you off
- Made in 1953: an older pace and style.
Young Bart Collins lives with his widowed mother Heloise. The major blight on Bart's existence is the hated piano lessons he is forced to endure under the tutelage of the autocratic Dr. Terwilliker. Bart feels that his mother has fallen under Terwilliker's sinister influence, and gripes to visiting plumber August Zabladowski, without much result. While grimly hammering away at his lessons, Bart dozes off and enters a fantastical musical dream.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
83% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsBelow par
Nominated for 1 Oscar.
- Reach & staying powerBelow par
Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 49K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Make Mine Music
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Save the Last Dance Weeknight WatchAnother musical family film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey
Sunday Safe BetAnother musical family film, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
A Cinderella Story: If the Shoe Fits Weeknight WatchAnother musical family film, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Steven Universe: The Movie
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed musical family film that fewer people know today.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Roy Rowland
- Peter Lind HayesAugust Zabladowski
- Mary HealyHeloise Collins
- Hans ConriedDr. Terwilliker
- Tommy RettigBartholomew Collins
- Noel CravatSgt. Lunk
- Robert HeasleyUncle Judson
- Jack HeasleyUncle Whitney
- George ChakirisDancer
- Alan AricElevator Operator (uncredited)
- Henry KulkyStroogo (uncredited)