Oshkosh professor helps revive Dr. Seuss music

OSHKOSH, Wis. — A University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh professor has helped revive the once-lost soundtrack to Dr. Seuss's first and only live-action film.

German professor and literature scholar Alan Lareau is an expert on Frederick Hollander, who was the composer for "The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T."

The 1953 film is about 500 boys held captive by Dr. Terwilliker, who forces them to practice every day for a simultaneous performance on a giant piano.

Theodor Seuss Geisel, known as Dr. Seuss, wrote the script and song lyrics and designed the sets.

The film bombed after Hollywood producers judged the movie too scary for children. It later became a cult classic among film historians.

The Oshkosh Northwestern reports Lareau joined the restoration team and authored the 38-page booklet included with the recently released CD set.