worst film to be nominated for best picture - Doctor Dolittle (1967) Discussion

[–] topkapi56 15 years ago

It has to be the one of the worst ever nominated for Best Picture for sure. Even at the time, there was quite an outcry and it was a huge dent in the Academy's credibility at choosing what is "best."

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[–] Moon_and_New_York_City 15 years ago

I think there was a "scandal" at the time over the nomination, I recall reading about it in that excellent book "Inside Oscar". It may have had something to do with special screenings, free meals, etc. An out-of-control studio campaign for votes.

"the best that you can do is fall in love"

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[–] mel2000 8 years ago

Just looked at the 1967 nominees:

In the Heat of the Night
Bonnie and Clyde
Doctor Dolittle
The Graduate
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner

Wow! One of those nominees is guaranteed to cause a "one-of-these-things-is-not-like-the-other" moment.

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[–] marktayloruk (2504) 3 years ago

Hard to say how I'd have voted - 1, 2 or 4. I wish they released the voting figures!

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[–] Maisie_Ravier 15 years ago

No, the worst picture ever to be nominated for best picture is THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH. And it won, too!

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[–] Plymouth-58 14 years ago

You can toss The Champ (1931) and Cleopatra (1963) in the worst picture ever to be nominated for best picture as well.

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[–] mikwalen 14 years ago

Admittedly, Doc Dolittle was a beautiful film, but the shenanigans that went on to get it the Best Picture nomination were based on the facty that the studio needed the film to start making money, and the best way to boost the B.O. take was a few major nominations.

"I was NEVER in the chorus!!!!" (Vera Charles)

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[–] ghtx 14 years ago

I knew it would be bad but didn't realize quite how bad until I actually saw it. It's really bad.

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[–] towerman123 13 years ago

I saw this movie in the theaters back in 1967 by mistake. Multiplexes were beginning to come in use by then and I walked into the wrong theater by mistake but wound up staying for the whole film and liking it too. Back then I was too young to recognize some of its shortcomings but I still think its a wonderful family film even though its special effects are quite dated and most of the songs are forgettable.

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[–] solex10 13 years ago

I'd rather watch the remake instead.

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[–] phillindholm 12 years ago

I'D rather watch ''BILLY THE KID VS. DRACULA''.

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[–] solex10 12 years ago

That movie's only good for the scenes in which the lady character's in her bare feet at the end.

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[–] PaladinNJ (21511) 3 years ago

Still better than Eddie Murphy's version.

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