UNSEALED

7 Faces of Dr. Lao starred Tony Randall in multiple roles as the Chinese proprietor (and most of the attractions) of a traveling carnival in the Old West. The circus visits a small town, Abalone, which is threatened by an unscrupulous land developer, and Dr. Lao and his bizarre characters help the citizens recover their belief in themselves in order to save their community. Based on a 1935 novel by Charles G. Finney, the film has obtained a cult reputation as an unusual and affecting family film with surprisingly adult elements.

Dr. Lao may have been Harline's finest work of all, a beguiling and tuneful concoction of "East meets West" melodies and folk instrumentation. It is consistently melodic, featuring numerous character setpieces and sparkling, transparent orchestration. In addition to the main title tune (for Dr. Lao), there are fully developed pieces for the other characters of the circus, such as Merlin the Magician, the soothsayer Appolonius, and Pan, the God of Joy.

Excerpts from 7 Faces of Dr. Lao were previously released on a La-La Land compilation of George Pal soundtracks. FSM presents the premiere release of the complete score, newly remixed from the stereo masters, with bonus tracks of alternates, outtakes and music-related sound effects. Liner notes are by Jeff Bond, Ross Care (a Harline authority), and Lukas Kendall. A fantasy score for the ages, 7 Faces of Dr. Lao is an absolute delight.

01. Seal & MGM Presents / Main Title 2:31
02. Dr. Lao's Arrival / Dr. Lao-Hero 1:39
03. Ed Meets the Snowman / Ed Meets Merlin 1:42
04. Magic Word / Philosopher 2:32
05. Hurdy Gurdy (Dr.Lao's Theme) / Dr. Lao's Announcement 1:21
06. Wildwood Hurdy Gurdy 1:05
07. Appolonius / Appolonius Sad / Dr. Lao Eavesdrops 2:09
08. Pan's Dance 2:18
09. Emotion 1:13
10. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry (Dr. Lao's Theme Hurdy Gurdy) 1:31
11. Hurry, Hurry, Hurry (Without Hurdy Gurdy) 1:36
12. The Magic Act 3:31
13. Mike Comforts Merlin 1:05
14. Come To The Circus 1:58
15. Medusa 1:16
16. Kate Revives 1:13
17. The Philosopher No. 2 / Mike and Dr. Lao Dance 1:21
18. Death of the Press / Ah, Love / The Press Reborn / The Trout 3:28
19. Calliope (Dr. Lao's Theme) 2:57
20. Circus Parade 2:37
21. I Forgot 0:30
22. Woldercan 3:31
23. Bagpipes Drone / Patties Leather Britches / Devil in the Kitchen / Kilt Is My Delight 3:14
24. Farewell / Randall Credit 2:36
25. Finger Flutters on the Tree Bells / Ah, Youth / Poster Effect #1 and #2 / Gong 0:50
26. Hurdy Gurdy / After Pan (Hurdy Gurdy) 1:06
27. Pan's Dance (pre-recording) 2:19
28. The Magic Act (conclusion with overlay) 0:55
29. Shrug 0:04
30. Ah, Love (pre-recording) 1:32
31. Rag Doll Waltz 0:15
32. Gut String Thru Drum / Music Effects/Anvil 0:33
33. Pan's Dance (pre-recording with counting) 2:03