I've Never Seen Anything Like It

Album: Doctor Dolittle (1967)
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Songfacts®:

  • The 1967 musical Doctor Dolittle which starred Rex Harrison in the title role was based on a series of children's books in which author Hugh Lofting gave his hero the power to talk to animals in their own languages.

    One animal that appeared in the film but is not found anywhere on Earth is the pushmi-pullyu (pronouced push me pull you), which when introduced to the proprietor of a circus prompts the response "I've never seen anything like it in my life." In the film, the pushmi-pullyu is portrayed as a double-headed llama with the heads facing in opposite directions. According to Dr Dolittle it is a denizen of Tibet, and its unique anatomy is most suitable for walking up and down Mount Everest, although it looks suspiciously like two actors wearing a specially designed llama costume.

    The circus proprietor sings the bulk of the song, but is joined by the good doctor, who half sings half recites his part. The pushmi-pullyu also takes part, as do a plethora of circus performers in a well choreographed scene.

    Like the rest of the songs in this film, "I've Never Seen Anything Like It" was written by Leslie Bricusse. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Alexander Baron - London, England

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