Oliver Twist

1948
U
1h 56m

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

14K

YOUR RATING

John Howard Davies, Anthony Newley, Robert Newton, Francis L. Sullivan, and Kay Walsh in Oliver Twist (1948)

In Charles Dickens' classic tale, an orphan wends his way from cruel apprenticeship to den of thieves in search of a true home.

Play trailer2:12

1 Video

53 Photos

Drama

In Charles Dickens' classic tale, an orphan wends his way from cruel apprenticeship to den of thieves in search of a true home.In Charles Dickens' classic tale, an orphan wends his way from cruel apprenticeship to den of thieves in search of a true home.In Charles Dickens' classic tale, an orphan wends his way from cruel apprenticeship to den of thieves in search of a true home.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

14K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Award
- 1 win & 2 nominations total

Videos1

Trailer 2:12

Original Trailer

Photos53

+ 46

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Storyline

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Did you know

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Trivia
Producer David O. Selznick violently accosted Sir Alec Guinness at a Hollywood party over his portrayal of Fagin.

Goofs
When Oliver is in the dock being tried for pick-pocketing, after the judge says "Oh stand away" the camera becomes an Oliver POV shot. Just before Oliver totally collapses, he looks up to the ceiling, (and, therefore, so does the camera) briefly showing the full studio rafters, complete with lights, and the set microphone, and part of the set ceiling.

Quotes
Oliver Twist: Please, sir, I want some more.

Alternate versions
The film did not premiere in the U.S. until 1951, after ten minutes of footage involving Alec Guinness as Fagin had been cut, due to Jewish pressure groups who claimed that Guinness's portrayal was offensive and anti-Semitic.

Connections
Edited into The Flesh and the Fiends (1960)

Soundtracks
My Hat, It Has Three Corners
(uncredited)
Traditional
In the score during a conversation between Mr. Bumble and Monks

User reviews98

Review

Featured review

9/10

Lean and Dickens - A Winning Combination

Charles Dickens and David Lean. What a combination; a novel by one of the greats of 19th century literature brought to film by one of the 20th century's best directors. Can't miss? You're right; David Lean's "Oliver Twist" is a great movie. The casting and acting is superb, every role a standout. I'd read "Oliver Twist" years ago, and watching the movie transported me back to the Victorian London of the novel. Alec Guinness is the perfect Fagin, after seeing this version I can't think of any other actor ever playing him. Bill Sikes, Nancy, Artful Dodger, Mr. Bumble, and of course Oliver. All perfect. The direction is without peer. The sets and cinematography resemble the best of German Expressionist work from the previous generation. Buildings at odd angles, light playing havoc with the dark shadows. I'm blathering....

My recommendation is to dig this up in the classics section of the video store and treat yourself to an oldie but a goodie.