Rating: 
Summary: Flawless fun. Truly a classic!
Review: I must say, I've never really been a big fan of musicals perse, but four years ago, I caught this delightful rendition of the Charles Dickens classic on the ENCORE movie network and I instantly changed my tune. I love movies, and I have always loved movies, but I never got so much enjoyment out of watching a film in my life until I saw OLIVER!. It's "freely" adapted from the Dickens novel, and there's the inclusion of song and dance, but the film still manages to stay fairly close to its source, and the entire production is successful at capturing the mood of 19th-century England, and the spirit of Dickens' original novel is alive throughout. Those not familiar with the story, OLIVER is the tale of a little orphan boy whose life has been nothing but workhouse servitude. When he finally escapes from his turbulent and unhappy life, he falls in with a band of young thieves led by the incorrigible Fagin(Ron Moody, Oscar-nominated). British child actor Mark Lester is appealing and absolutely adorable in the title role. Jack Wild(Oscar-nominated) is equally winning as his slick sidekick, The Artful Dodger. In fact, Lester and Wild worked so well together in the film that they went on to appear together in the popular 1971 release MELODY. Oliver Reed is appropriately menacing as the brutish Bill Sykes. The film was directed by Reed's uncle, Carol Reed. Some might say this film compares in comparison to David Lean's straight-faced 1948 filmization of the Dickens classic. That version of the story is also a confirmed classic, but it's not nearly as much fun as this one. If you're a parent and want to introduce your children to the classics, this film is the way to do it!
Rating:
Summary: Consider it a wonderful experience
Review: The movie musical was on its way out by the time 'Oliver!' hit theaters in 1968. Happily, this marvelously fun and entertaining film swept the Oscars and earns my vote for the best musical of the 60s (although 'The Music Man' ranks a close second). Mark Lester is adorable in the title role and Jack Wild is a kick as the mischievious Artful Dodger. Then there's Ron Moody recreating his stage role as the villainous (but still likable) Fagin. He's not exactly the same character created by Charles Dickens but he's memorable just the same. And Shani Wallis' Nancy along with Oliver Reed's Bill Sikes give the film some real dramatic punch. The production design strikingly recreates the feel and flavor of mid-19th century London. And the songs which include 'Consider Yourself' and 'Oom Pah Pah' are the icing on the cake. Do your family a great favor and add this timeless treat to your DVD collection.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: If only movies were made like this today. This film is filled with witty comedy, wonderful music, and great acting. One of the best musicals out there!! This film displays a boy's life going from the lowest of low (an orphanage) and slowely rising to a better life. The only thing is, it makes stealing look a little. .. well . . fun! But i'm sure we can all live with that right?
Rating:
Summary: BEAUTIFULLY FILMED MUSICAL
Review: I first saw "Oliver" when I was eight at the State Theate in Woodland, California; I just finished watching it again on DVD and I still love it! Mark Lester was an inspired choice for Oliver, and his scenes are most affecting especially with Fagan and his gang.Nancy was played by the now-forgotten Shani Wallis and she's terrifically effective in her love scenes with Bill Sikes and her singing "It's a Fine Life" is a joy to behold. Ron Moody scores strong as Fagan; he's simply marvelous. Onna White did the amazing choreography and the songs are certainly well sung. The scene where Oliver awakes in Mayfair has a special quality to it: through the window, he watches below as the street vendors sing the haunting "Who Will Buy?" Oliver Reed is fine as Bill Sikes and the Artful Dodger is memorably played by Jack Wild. It won the AA for best picture of 1968 ; it's a shame we don't see more similar films in today's cinema.
Rating:
Summary: Moody's Fagin steals classic OLIVER!
Review: Until CHICAGO reenergized the movie musical genre, this musical version of Charles Dickens' immortal "Oliver Twist" was widely regarded as one of the last of the great movie musicals. Indeed, with its high-energy performances, infectious music, steady direction by Sir Carol Reed and glorious sets, this movie won the 1968 Best Picture Oscar over such formidable competition as THE LION IN WINTER, CHARLEY, and FUNNY GIRL. Of course, most people are familiar with the classic story of young Oliver Twist, whose mother dies giving him birth and is forced to be raised under the cruel supervision of the English workhouse officials. When he dares beg for more than his meager ration of gruel, the youngster is apprenticed to an undertaker and his extremely nasty family. After escaping this hostile environment, he finds himself taken in by the roguish Fagin, the Artful Dodger(Fagin's best pupil), and the rest of his band of young pickpockets. In time, however, Oliver will find his home, but not before dealing with the likes of the brutal Bill Sikes with the help of Sike's sympathetic lover, Nancy, and the kindly Mr. Brownlow. As musical films go, it is hard to fault the wonderful casting in this film. Mark Lester makes a perfectly, if maybe overly, innocent Oliver, while Jack Wild is a delight as the rascally Artful Dodger. Shanie Wallis is heart-rending as the tragic Nancy. Oliver Reed (Sir Carol's nephew) is truly scary as the menacing Bill Sikes. Harry Secombe displays a glorious tenor in the comic role of Mr. Bumble, the beadle of the workhouse. However, it is Ron Moody's fantastic performance of the rascally Fagin that steals this movie. It is not surprising, when you consider that he created the role when the musical was first produced in London. Of course, the character itself has gone quite a change from Dickens' original, going from the debatably nasty anti-Semitic portrait of the novel to that of a lovable, if sneaky, eccentric. Indeed, Moody's excellent portrayal would set the tone for almost all future performances of the role to date, including those of such actors as George C. Scott and Richard Dreyfus, among others. Some Dickens fans may quibble about the liberties taken with the book, from the softening of Fagin to the elimination of Oliver's evil step-brother Monks from the storyline. And it isn't a perfect film by any means. (The child singer who dubbed Mark Lester's songs sounds like she's in an echo chamber of some sort, which makes Oliver's singing a jarring contrast to the rest of the cast.) But, as a musical film, it is a wonderful entertainment and superb introduction to the classic story. As a result, this is one musical that I would DEFINITELY recommend.
Rating:
Summary: BEAUTIFULLY FILMED MUSICAL
Review: I first saw "Oliver" when I was eight at the State Theate in Woodland, California; I just finished watching it again on DVD and I still love it! Mark Lester was an inspired choice for Oliver, and his scenes are most affecting especially with Fagan and his gang.Nancy was played by the now-forgotten Shani Wallis and she's terrifically effective in her love scenes with Bill Sikes and her singing "It's a Fine Life" is a joy to behold. Ron Moody scores strong as Fagan; he's simply marvelous. Onna White did the amazing choreography and the songs are certainly well sung. The scene where Oliver awakes in Mayfair has a special quality to it: through the window, he watches below as the street vendors sing the haunting "Who Will Buy?" Oliver Reed is fine as Bill Sikes and the Artful Dodger is memorably played by Jack Wild. It won the AA for best picture of 1968 ; it's a shame we don't see more similar films in today's cinema.
Rating:
Summary: Social Statement, Great Acting, Incredible Music
Review: "Oliver!" is the first musical I ever came to love, to learn the words to, and to want to see again. When people think of this wonderful adaptation of Charles Dickens' dark and occasionally hopeful "Oliver Twist," the music might come first to mind. Why wouldn't it? The songs are remarkable, and worth ever acclaim. Take away the music (and I hope you never would), and there is left a strong story with a strong message played by strong actors, all well-produced. The younger viewers will see the trials and tribulations of Oliver Twist. Older viewers will connect with Nancy or Bill Sikes, or look deep into the tyranny of poverty and those who would profit from the vulnerable poor. Ron Moody is the star as Fagin, but a not often talked about enough performance of Jack Wild's Artful Dodger. He has an insightfulness and an almost innocent prying likeability that infects audiences. He's a thief, working for the top thief, and trying to involve young and lonely Oliver, but only so to protect him and befriend him. Peggy Mount is endearing as Mrs. Bumble, with a personality not unlike Mrs. Butterworth of pancake syrup fame. The tone is ironically whimsical, demonstrating a contrast in the tenor of the rich and poor, of those singing and those in need. The settings are impressively realistic, keeping in mind the time this was produced. Not as big budget as epics like "The Ten Commandments," it still can carry the audience into believing they were really there. We see the humanity behind the poor culture of London. We see the tragedies of lives that could have been beautiful, and grimace with the fates of some. Even though the music is fun and memorable, so is the not as happy message. Across England, homeless children were being abused and put into near-slavery in a black-market pickpocket scheme. Dickens took what he saw around him and developed one of the English's most compelling literary social statements. I fully recommend "Oliver!" To balance out your classic Victorian England DVD musical collection, try "My Fair Lady," with Audrey Hepburn. Anthony Trendl
Rating:
Summary: An enduring and powerful story
Review: Like so many other reviewers, this film holds a special place in my life. Dickens' story is masterfully translated to film and the score adds a whole other level to the charm and power of this story. It is hard to imagine this story without the musical numbers. A great addition to any DVD library and sure to entertain generations to come.
Rating:
Summary: Is there a Soundtrack?
Review: Great movie, but is there a soundtrack? I can not find one.
Rating:
Summary: Two of the great scenes in film
Review: Many of the reviewers here have wonderfully described the movie. But it is worth nothing that two scenes in this movie may be some of the greatest ever. When Oliver awakes and asks "who will buy this beautiful morning?" a stunning 10 minitues of motion picture genius errupts. The scenes of 19th century industry come alive with milkmaids, teachers, nannies and even a marching band. Fantastic wonderment. The other great scene is when Oliver is introduced into London life - Consider Yourself - part of the family, part of the scenery - the scenery of butchers and chimney sweeps, of bobbies and fish mongers. Amazing amazing amazing. The film captures a subtle and enjoyable smattering of history -- the industry of the 19th century. Whether it is the butchers processing meat, the brewers and their barrells or the undertaker of the day advertising "cheap funerals," the film has a hustle bustle of 19th century capitalism, where the city is producing wealth, where people are pursuing their trades, even if some of them happen to be pickpockets. Marvelous movie.
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