Episode 015: The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953)

In this episode, Jason drags the gang into covering our first musical via a delicious slice of cult cinema with Roy Rowland’s The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. from 1953. Spawned from the mind of none other than Dr. Seuss himself, the film follows the young Bart through a raucous phantasmagoric Seussian nightmare as he wrestles with the sinister machinations of his piano instructor: the titular Doctor Terwilliker. Michael shares his deep love for musicals in general. Jason champions the old Hollywood aesthetic the film thrives on. Dustin pours a hearty cup of haterade such that the other hosts can only justify his criticisms by blaming it on Jason Goes to Hell!?  Things get as zany as the film itself. But before that, we break down our personal favorite musicals. And so much more! So strap on your official Terwilliker Institute beanie and make sure your happy fingers are nice and limber!

What We’ve Been Watching:
-Dustin: Evangelion: 3.0+1.0 Thrice Upon a Time (2021)
-Michael: Synchronic (2019)
-Jason: Skull: The Mask (2020)

Favorite Cult Musical:
-Jason: The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975)
-Michael: Hedwig and the Angry Inch (2001)
-Dustin: Phantom of the Paradise (1974)

Favorite Mainstream Musical:
-Jason: The Wizard of Oz (1939)
-Dustin: Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
-Michael: Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

Show Notes:
–The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. Trailer
–Stream The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T on Crackle
–Related Film: The Jazz Singer
–Related Film: Phantom of the Opera
–Related Film: Clerks
–Related Film: Mallrats
–Related Film: Austin Powers
–Related Film: The Legend of the Stardust Brothers
–Related Clip: “Make ’em Laugh” from Singin’ in the Rain
–Related Film: Whiplash
–Related Cartoon: Dudley Do-Right
–Related Cartoon: Futurama
–Related Cartoon: Halloween is Grinch Night
–Related Film: Chicago

Next Time:
Blood Diner (1987)