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Oliver Twist Musical - 1968 |
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Directed by
Carol Reed
Writing credits
Charles Dickens novel
Lionel Bart book
Vernon Harris screenplay
Cast
Ron Moody .... Fagin
Shani Wallis .... Nancy
Oliver Reed .... Bill Sikes
Harry Secombe .... Mr. Bumble
Mark Lester .... Oliver Twist
Jack Wild .... The Artful Dodger
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A truly wonderful musical for the whole family.25 October 1998
Reviewed by: Greg Bland from Brisbane, Australia
"Oliver!"
brings to the screen a worthy adaption of Lionel Bart's Broadway
musical of the sixties. The combination of a superb cast, wonderful
music and breathtaking choreography mean that the film loses nothing in
its translation from the stage. To this day it remains one of the
stand-out musical adaptions in a dwindling field.
Although the
conservative Dickens fanatics may thumb their noses at various
liberties taken on the original plot of "Oliver Twist", they should
observe that "Oliver!" has recreated most of the spirit intended by
Dickens. While primarily a musical comedy, "Oliver!" certainly has a
dark undercurrent, thanks to the skillful direction of Carol Reed and
the sinister acting of Oliver Reed (playing Bill Sikes). Dickens was
essentially a talented satirist, who constructed his characters to
convey a moralistic view on Victorian society. "Oliver!" conveys much
of the sadness and desperation of the original novel.
For anyone
not acquainted with the famous storyline, the film treats of a young
orphan, Oliver Twist, and follows his journey from a paupers' workhouse
to the rough-and-tumble city life of London. He is spotted and
introduced into a gang of thieves, led by the crafty and cunning Fagin.
What follows for Oliver is an introduction to the art of picking
pockets; the methods of justice dispened by Mr Fang the magistrate; the
cruelty of Bill Sikes the notorious thief, and the compassion of Nancy,
Bill's mate; the kindness of Mr and Mrs Brownlow. Such an adventure for
such a small boy!
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact reason
why this Oscar-winning film is such a success. On one hand there is the
incredible performances of a gifted cast - Ron Moody being nominated
for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Fagin, and young Jack Wild's
mature performance as the Artful Dodger. Mark Lester plays Oliver, and
depicts all the elements of innocence and vulnerability as could be
imagined in the young boy. Harry Secombe backs up the cast as the
beadle, Mr Bumble.
Perhaps the best aspect of the film though is
the music itself. Lionel Bart has done a masterful job in writing the
original score, and you may expect to find yourself singing the songs
for weeks after watching "Oliver!". Here are the evergreens, "Reviewing
the Situation", "You've Got to Pick a Pocket Or Two", "Who Will Buy",
and the beautiful and touching "Where is Love?". The list of classic
tunes goes on and on, and if nothing else, young people today should
watch the film purely for its educational value - to be introduced to
the sweet music of yesteryear, and to see that a film's qualities
extend beyond the realms of special effects.
"Oliver!" will
rightfully go down as a classic film of its time, and with any luck
will keep its place as a family favourite, for years to come. Its
warmth and familiar music make it a must-see.
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