Movie Details:
| Based on | Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Comedy, Family, Fantasy |
| Release date | June 26, 1998 |
| Running time | 1hr 25min |
| Age rating | PG-13 |
| Starring | Eddie Murphy Ossie Davis Oliver Platt |
| Directed by | Betty Thomas |
| Screenplay by | Larry Levin Nat Mauldin |
| Produced by | John Davis David T. Friendly Joseph M. Singer |
| Cinematography by | Russell Boyd |
| Edited by | Peter Teschner |
| Music by | Richard Gibbs |
| Production Company | Davis Entertainment Joseph M. Singer Entertainment Friendly Films Fox Family Films |
| Distributor | 20th Century Fox |
Cast & Characters:
Live-action cast
- Eddie Murphy as Dr. John Dolittle, a physician who can talk to animals.
- Dari Gerard Smith as 5-year-old John
- Ossie Davis as Grandpa Archer Dolittle, the father of John.
- Oliver Platt as Dr. Mark Weller, a colleague and frenemy of John.
- Peter Boyle as Mr. Calloway, a man who seeks to buy John’s practice.
- Richard Schiff as Dr. Gene Reiss, a colleague and loyal friend of John.
- Kristen Wilson as Lisa Dolittle, the wife of John.
- Jeffrey Tambor as Dr. Fish
- Kyla Pratt as Maya Dolittle, the nerdy daughter of John.
- Raven-Symoné as Charisse Dolittle, the teenage daughter of John.
- Steven Gilborn as Dr. Sam Litvack
- Paul Giamatti (uncredited) as Blaine Hammersmith
- Don Calfa (uncredited) as Patient at Hammersmith
- Pruitt Taylor Vince (uncredited) as Patient at Hammersmith
Voice cast
- Norm Macdonald as Lucky, a dog that John adopts.
- Albert Brooks as Jacob “Jake”, a Bengal tiger.
- Chris Rock as Rodney, a guinea pig owned by the Dolittle family
- Reni Santoni as Rat #1
- John Leguizamo as Rat #2
- Julie Kavner as Female Pigeon
- Garry Shandling as Male Pigeon
- Ellen DeGeneres as Prologue Dog, John’s childhood pet
- Brian Doyle-Murray as Old Retriever
- Phil Proctor as Drunk Monkey
- Jenna Elfman as Owl
- Gilbert Gottfried as Compulsive Dog
- Phyllis Katz as Goat
- Douglas Shamburger as Pound Dog
- Jeff Doucette as Possum
- Archie Hahn as Heavy Woman’s Dog
- Tom Towles as German Shepherd
- Eddie Frierson as Skunk
- Paul Reubens as Raccoon
- Royce D. Applegate as “I Love You” Dog
- James F. Dean as Orangutan
- Chad Einbinder as Bettelheim the Cat
- Jonathan Lipnicki as Baby Tiger
- Hamilton Camp as Pig
- Kerrigan Mahan as Penguin
Puppeteers
Lead puppeteer
- Allan Trautman – lead puppeteer
Puppeteers
- Bill Barretta
- Kevin Carlson
- Bruce Lanoil
- Drew Massey
- Ian Tregonning
- Mak Wilson
Storyline:
In Dr. Dolittle, Eddie Murphy plays a veterinarian who discovers he can understand and speak to animals after a childhood incident. As he reconnects with this unique ability, he faces various comedic challenges while trying to balance his family life and professional responsibilities. The film explores themes of communication, empathy, and the importance of understanding different perspectives.
About Movie:
Dr. Dolittle (also written as Doctor Dolittle) is an American fantasy comedy film directed by Betty Thomas and written by Larry Levin and Nat Mauldin. The film stars Eddie Murphy in the title role, alongside Ossie Davis and Oliver Platt. It is based on a series of children’s stories by Hugh Lofting, but it does not directly adapt any specific material from the novels; instead, it centers around Dr. John Dolittle’s ability to communicate with animals. Notably, the Pushmi-Pullyu, a beloved character from the books, makes a brief appearance.
Upon its release on January 8, 1998, the film was a box office success, grossing over $144 million worldwide. Despite its commercial success, it received mixed reviews from critics.
The success of Dr. Dolittle led to one theatrical sequel, Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001), as well as three direct-to-video films: Dr. Dolittle 3 (2006), Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief (2008), and Dr. Dolittle: Million Dollar Mutts (2009). The film remains a notable entry in family comedies of the late 1990s, appreciated for its humor and heartwarming moments.
Budget & Box Office Collection:
| Budget | $71.5 million |
| Worldwide Collection | $294.4 million |
