Doctor Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle

Dr. John Dolittle

Emma Fairfax

Matthew Mugg

Albert Blossom

General Bellowes

Mrs. Blossom

Tommy Stubbins

William Shakespeare X

Sarah Dolittle

Lady Fetherington

Prison Guard

Dancer (uncredited)

Courtroom Spectator

Circus Clown

Charlie

Assistant Judge

Fisherman

Old Woman

Sir Rupert (uncredited)

Pig (uncredited)

Courtroom Spectator

Minor Role (uncredited)

Elderly Man

Boy (uncredited)

Courtroom Spectator

Fisherman

Child (uncredited)

Parrot (uncredited)

Strong Man

Vicar

Juggler

Child (uncredited)

Elephant Act

Dog (uncredited)

Seal (uncredited)

Assistant Judge

Courtroom Spectator

The Vicar

Courtroom Spectator

Polynesia

Juggler

John Huston was considered as director, but producer Arthur P. Jacobs nixed the idea. Vincente Minnelli and William Wyler were also considered but Minnelli was felt to be too "old fashioned" and Wyler's reputation for expensively shooting far too many takes of a scene eliminated them from the running.

The film's massive critical and commercial failure effectively ended Rex Harrison's career as a leading man.

The film's US premiere was a benefit for Project HOPE (December 19, 1967) at the Loew's State Theater in New York City. The festivities were the subject of an hour-long TV show on WPIX hosted by Barry Gray. After the Chicago premiere at the Michael Todd Theater (December 20, 1967) the Hollywood opening was held at the Paramount Theater the following day. The L.A. premiere was a benefit for the Hollywood and Television Relief Fund and Joey Bishop taped his ABC talk show there. Sophie the Seal wearing a diamond necklace, Jip the Dog in a jeweled collar, Gub-Gub the Pig in a sequined harness and Chee-Chee the Chimp in white tie, tails and top hat all appeared at the Hollywood premiere.

When Shelia the fox and her pups are shown, the baby foxes are clearly Chihuahua and Pomeranian puppies.

In the song "I've Never Seen Anything Like It", Doctor Dolittle claims that the Pushmi-pullyu climbs up and down Mt. Everest. Mt. Everest was not named "Mt. Everest" until 1865. Similarly, the song "Fabulous Places" contains a reference to Tasmania; Tasmania was called "Van Dieman's Land" until 1856.

When the pushme-pullyu first appears on camera, there is an obvious split in the middle of its fur. The two sides are even a different color.

Dr. Dolittle: Tell me, Stubbins... what would you do if you had two heads?

Emma Fairfax: If I were his nephew instead of his niece...

Dr. Dolittle: If one place is as good as any other, it's high time we decided. Otherwise when we get there, we won't know we've arrived.