Oliver Twist reviews (1948)

Oliver Twist

1948

Overall rating: 3.5 out of 5

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Available on LOVEFiLM Instant for 41 more days

The second of director David Lean's adaptations of a Charles Dickens novel (Great Expectations (1946) was the first), Oliver Twist expertly boils down an enormous novel to a little less than two hours' screen time. The film begins with baby Oliver left on the doorstep of an orphanage/workhouse by his unwed mother. Proving a difficult charge to the wicked orphanage official, Oliver (John Howard Davies) is sold into a job as an undertaker's apprentice. He runs away and joins a gang of larcenous street urchins, led by master pickpocket Fagin (Alec Guinness). Oliver is rescued from this life by the kindly Mr. Brownlow (Henry Stephenson); but, with the complicity of evil Bill Sikes (Robert Newton), Fagin abducts Oliver. Sikes' girl friend Nancy (Kay Walsh) restores Oliver to Brownlow, leading to tragic consequences before an ultimately happy ending. Oliver Twist was filmed in England in 1948, but its American release was held up for three years due to the allegedly anti-Semitic portrayal of the duplicitous Fagin. Even in its currently censored form, Oliver Twist is one the best-ever film versions of a Dickens novel. It served as a blueprint for Oliver! (1968), the Oscar-winning musical version.~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Oliver Twist details

Formats:	U DVD, LOVEFiLM Instant
Starring:	Anthony Newley, Kay Walsh, Francis Sullivan, Henry Stephenson, Robert Newton, Henry Stephenson, Alec Guinness, John Howard Davies, Mary Clare
Director:	David Lean
Genres:	Drama, Family - General
Studio:	ITV STUDIOS HOME ENTERTAINMENT
Collections:	Best of British, Black & White Movies, Book Adaptations, Decades: 40s, Duvet Days, Eight Decades of Film, Family Films, Feel Good

Title	Runtime	Certificate
Oliver Twist	1hr 51 mins	U

LOVEFiLM Instant Information

Run time:	1 hour 51 minutes
Rental release:	To be confirmed

Name	Discs
Oliver Twist	U Feature

DVD Information

Run time:	1 hour 51 minutes
Rental release:	11 Oct 1999
Main languages:	English

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Most helpful review Oliver Twist

The best version

By STEVE BATEMAN from Wirral , 18 Jan 2005

[Highly rated reviewer]

Great film,superb acting and atmosphere.Best of the versions.
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classic film

By cheesekake (1282 reviews) from uk , 27 Aug 2012

the film is not only classic so is the storyline, give it its not the best oliver ever done, but it certainly isn't the worst.

defo worthy of a watch
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poor cause not musical

By a customer , 02 Jan 2012

rubbish cause first its in black and white and second it dont have the musical side to it 'consierd yourself' and more:(
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Definitely worth watching

By a customer , 12 Oct 2011

Great insight into old London. Great casting. The characters are full of depth and its easy to get absorbed into the movie. Definitely worth a watch!
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Excellent

By GaryI (785 reviews) from March, Cambs , 25 Jun 2009

David Lean can be seen to be a true master with his Dickens adaptations, and this is a superb version of this famous tale.

His use of shadow and slanted camera work, his recreation of Victoria England is a true delight. This is a great story and wonderful example of British cinema, and for all true film lovers if you haven't already then see this. If you have then it should be on your shelf, buy it.
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Classic Dickens Film

By a customer from Malton , 17 Jun 2009

Brilliant Dickens classic - the original & best. Great Sunday afternoon film all the family can enjoy.
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