Doctor Dolittle (1967)

Dr. Dolittle: Oh it's from Long Arrow.
Matthew: Who's he when he's at home?
Dr. Dolittle: An old friend of mine. He's a Red Indian gentleman.
Matthew: With a name like "Long Arrow" I didn't think he'd be Irish.

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Emma Fairfax: I promise to ask for no special privileges.
Dr. Dolittle: I promise to grant none

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Emma Fairfax: If I were his nephew instead of his niece...
Dr. Dolittle: If you were his nephew, you'd hardly be called Emma Fairfax.

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The film's release was accompanied by one of the most massive merchandising tie-in campaigns in Hollywood history. Among the items merchandised were puzzles, a reprint of the original Hugh Lofting series of books by Dell Publishing, children's toys (including talking Pushmi-Pullyu and Rex Harrison dolls from Mattel), school supplies, a line of pet foods, and, in a truly bizarre move, small toy figures in each package of "Shake-a-Pudding". Additionally, as well as the obligatory soundtrack album, several major artists recorded "Talk to the Animals" and other songs from the picture, with star Anthony Newley recording an album of nothing but "Dolittle" songs for RCA Victor. Sammy Davis Jr. and Bobby Darin' also released all "Dolittle" albums along with instrumental albums from jazz musicians Joe Bushkin and Gordon Beck. Most of the merchandise sold poorly, killing off movie studio interest in such revenue streams. Ten years later, this attitude allowed George Lucas to easily get the merchandising rights for Star Wars and profit spectacularly from it.
The films U.S. premiere was a benefit for Project HOPE (December 19, 1967) at the Loew's State Theatre 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 Theatre (December 20, 1967) the Hollywood opening was held at the Paramount Theatre 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 & top hat all appeared at the Hollywood premiere.
Nine separate versions of the musical soundtrack were commissioned in several languages, with over a million copies pressed total. Almost none of them sold, which is why to this day the soundtrack turns up in many thrift stores and 99-cent "cut out" bins.
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