Oliver! (1968)

• Year: 1968
• Released: 27 Sep 1968
• Country: United Kingdom
• Adwords: Won 5 Oscars. 12 wins & 25 nominations total
• IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063385/
• Rotten Tomatoes: https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/oliver
• Available in: 720p, 1080p,
• Language: English
• MPA Rating: G
• Genre: Drama, Family, Musical
• Runtime: 153 min
• Writer: Lionel Bart, Vernon Harris, Charles Dickens
• Director: Carol Reed
• Cast: Mark Lester, Ron Moody, Shani Wallis
• Keywords: based on novel or book, musical, london, england, 19th century, based on play or musical,

	7.4/10
	74/100
	89% – Critics
	81% – Audience

Oliver! Storyline

In Victorian England, Oliver Twist is the name given by a workhouse warden to a boy born in the workhouse orphanage, Oliver’s mother who died in childbirth and whose identity is unknown. Now an adolescent, Oliver, who has never felt loved or accepted, manages to escape from both the harsh workhouse and his equally harsh placements “for sale”. Managing to make his way to London, Oliver, feeling accepted for the first time in his life, is welcomed into a group of other young boys, headed by the Artful Dodger, who “make wallets” under the direction of Fagin. What Oliver is initially unaware of is that they are really a band of pickpockets, Fagin who hides away whatever riches he is able to obtain for his own personal benefit. One of Fagin’s associates is the violent Bill Sikes, whose girlfriend, Nancy, is devoted to him despite his abuse of her. Oliver looks to Nancy as his one true friend, especially needed when he discovers what Fagin and the boys actually do. Oliver also comes to the attention of the wealthy Mr. Brownlow. Out of circumstance, Bill sees Oliver as both an asset and a liability, but one that needs to be kept enslaved under his direction. Nancy has to decide whether to be loyal to Bill to help him keep Oliver, or do what is best for Oliver by helping him escape, especially as she knows that Brownlow is looking for Oliver when he learns of Oliver’s true heritage.

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Oliver! Movie Reviews

I consider Oliver! the movie to be my mate.

Charles Dickens famous novel of an orphan boy, Oliver Twist, who escapes from his poor life to seek his fame and fortune in London, is adapted as a glossy musical.

Who would have thought that a story from the brilliant Dickens could be so sweet and endearing? So it be with Carol Reed’s (Best Director Winner) unforgettable 1968 Best Picture Winner. Yes it’s some way away from the essence of the source, those in need of that should be seeking out David Lean’s fabulous 1948 version, but with an array of wonderful tunes and choreography, this Oliver is a treat for all the family. The cast are uniformly strong, notably Ron Moody (Fagin), Oliver Reed (who as Bill Sykes is probably playing himself!), Mark Lester (Oliver) and the fabulous Jack Wild (The Artful Dodger). While Lionel Bart’s songs are as timeless as they are engaging.

The 60s was a tough decade for cinematic musicals, with many of them turning out to be bloated exercises in tedium. But Oliver! is one of the shining lights in the genre, a true uplifter guaranteed to have the feet a tapping and the smile firmly implanted on ones face. So if you have yet to see and be charmed by it? Come on in, join our number and consider yourself one of us. 8/10

First in a long line

This film introduced me to musicals at the age of 5 or 6, starting a trend which has lasted for over two decades since – it remains my favourite for a lot of reasons – the great treatment of Dickens’ admittedly complicated book; memorable characters who do not sing, alongside those who do (stellar performances from everyone); fun and frolics, and a few heartbreaking moments; and Lionel Bart’s tremendous score. The ‘Who Will Buy’ sequence is one of the best ever. One to watch and cherish and remember just how good musical films used to be.

There’s really nothing like it.

This is a musical adaptation of Dicken’s “Oliver Twist”. For the most part, the original story has been maintained, though for the flow of the film certain subplots (such as the summer he spent recuperating and the half-brother) are omitted. The biggest difference in the film and the story is that by the end of the book, Fagin is hanged–an ending very different from this musical film.

This is a one of a kind musical–one whose style and scope really hasn’t been matched before or since. Not only are the songs often quite singable and memorable, but the choreography of the film is a sight to behold. Whereas in most musicals a few people or perhaps even a small group are choreographed dancing, here the numbers often run into the hundreds or perhaps more. It’s truly a sight to see and I was fortunate enough to have seen it in the theater when it debuted and is one of my earliest childhood memories. Having just seen it again a few moments ago, I would have to say that the film only got better over time. Great sets, wonderful acting and singing–this is a special treat that is hard not to love.

By the way, when I saw the film again tonight, I was surprised by just how high and feminine Mark Lester’s singing was for the film. Well, according to IMDb, his singing was dubbed by a girl and this would definitely account for his voice.