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Oliver!

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Oliver!

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• Drama
• Music

• 1968
• Carol Reed
• 139 mins
• U

Summary

Oscar-winning film version of Lionel Bart's musical based on the popular novel Oliver Twist, starring Ron Moody, Oliver Reed and Mark Lester. Escaping a life of workhouse servitude, Oliver tries to seek his fortune in London, but instead of gold-paved streets he finds the roguish Fagin and his crime school for boys.

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Review

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Tony Sloman

In this immensely popular film version of Lionel Bart's musical, Ron Moody - top-billed and Oscar-nominated as Fagin - brings a wealth of Petticoat Lane wit and wisdom, and a certain magnificence, to the role he had created on stage. Mark Lester is a bit too sweet as the orphaned Oliver Twist. On the other hand, Oliver Reed brings such dark brooding menace to the part of Bill Sikes that he might be too scary for younger viewers. The film collected six Oscars, including best picture and best director (Carol Reed, a last minute substitute for Lewis Gilbert, who probably would have brought the charm the fable sometimes lacks), and there's no denying that the Academy recognition for sound and art direction is well and truly justified. Today, it works well as a child's introduction to Dickens, and adults can enjoy Shani Wallis's Nancy, Jack Wild's impish Artful Dodger (he was also Oscar-nominated), the inimitable Harry Secombe as Mr Bumble and Onna White's brisk Broadway choreography.

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7.4/10

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Streaming

• Prime Video
• Sky Store

Credits

Cast

rolenameFaginRon MoodyBill SikesOliver ReedOliverMark Lester (2)Mr BumbleHarry SecombeNancyShani WallisArtful DodgerJack WildMagistrateHugh GriffithBetSheila WhiteMr BrownlowJoseph O'ConorWidow CorneyPeggy MountMr SowerberryLeonard RossiterMrs SowerberryHylda Baker

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Crew

rolenameDirectorCarol Reed

Details

Released on

1968-09-27

Languages

English

Available on

video, DVD and Blu-ray

Formats

Colour

News & features about Oliver!

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  "We need to recognise that dyslexic brains just think and express their learning in a different way."

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  David Tennant reveals how Jamie Oliver inspired iconic Doctor Who costume
  
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  Andi and Miquita Oliver are this week's Radio Times cover stars
  
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  Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen star on this week's Radio Times
  
  Writer Marnie Dickens reveals why revenge is sweet in Prime Video's new drama Wilderness.

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  Andi and Miquita Oliver on their new podcast Stirring It Up and dreaming big
  
  Andi and Miquita Oliver spoke on The Radio Times Podcast about their new podcast Stirring It Up, which is based on their shared love of food.

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  Doctor Who's Jenna Coleman and The Invisible Man's Oliver Jackson-Cohen in Jackdaw trailer
  
  Your first look at the British action thriller is here.

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  Alan Carr and Oliver Savell star in first trailer for Changing Ends
  
  The autobiographical comedy series lands on ITVX this week.

• 
  
  Brian Cox and Daniel Kaluuya star in Oliver Twist audio adaptation
  
  The new audiobook has been produced by Oscar-winning director Sam Mendes.

• 
  
  Inside Man's biggest twist was Louis Oliver's show-stealing performance
  
  In the BBC thriller's final instalment, it was Oliver who stood out amidst an all-star cast. **WARNING: Contains spoilers for all four episodes of Inside Man**

• 
  
  Jamie Oliver is the cover star of this week's magazine
  
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  Jenna Coleman and Oliver Jackson-Cohen lead new thriller Wilderness
  
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• 
  
  Alison Oliver and Joe Alwyn are the cover stars of this week's Radio Times
  
  Director Lenny Abrahamson also discusses BBC's hit adaptation Conversations with Friends.

• 
  
  Alison Oliver on Conversations with Friends and embracing nerves
  
  The star of Sally Rooney's debut novel talks taking on the hotly-anticipated title.

• 
  
  Jamie Oliver on The Great Cookbook Challenge and how a bin liner changed his life
  
  How did a “special needs kid from Essex” who struggled to read and write become Britain’s bestselling non-fiction author? Jamie Oliver shares his recipe for success with Toby Earle.

• 
  
  Coronation Street – is Leanne losing the fight to save Oliver?
  
  The desperate mum is distraught at the thought she accidentally betrayed her son.

• 
  
  Coronation Street heartbreak as Leanne and Steve say goodbye to Oliver
  
  Hearts will break in upcoming Corrie episodes.

See more about Oliver!

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