A simplistic musical version of Hugh Lofting's tales of the eccentric doctor who talks to animals. These are almost impossible to translate in film terms, and a lazy pace doesn't help.

Still, there are compensations: Rex Harrison's splendid Dolittle owes a fair amount to his Prof Higgins from My Fair Lady.

Anthony Newley is also in top form, really letting a jaunty cockney tenor rip as Matt, and Richard Attenborough makes a telling, if brief appearance as a circus owner.

Children will enjoy the best bits if they stay awake through the rest.