Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Robert Newton | ... | Bill Sykes | |
Alec Guinness | ... | Fagin | |
Kay Walsh | ... | Nancy | |
Francis L. Sullivan | ... | Mr. Bumble | |
Henry Stephenson | ... | Mr. Brownlow | |
Mary Clare | ... | Mrs. Corney | |
Anthony Newley | ... | Artful Dodger | |
![]() |
Josephine Stuart | ... | Oliver's Mother |
![]() |
Ralph Truman | ... | Monks |
Kathleen Harrison | ... | Mrs Sowerberry | |
Gibb McLaughlin | ... | Mr. Sowerberry | |
![]() |
Amy Veness | ... | Mrs. Bedwin |
![]() |
Frederick Lloyd | ... | Mr. Grimwig |
John Howard Davies | ... | Oliver Twist | |
Henry Edwards | ... | Police Official |
Based on the Charles Dickens novel, this movie is about an orphan boy who runs away from a workhouse and meets a pickpocket on the streets of London. Oliver is taken in by the pickpocket and he joins a household of young boys who are trained to steal for their master. This version of Oliver Twist is topped by Sir Alec Guinness' masterly performance of archthug Fagin. Written by Jenny Evans <J.Evans@uts.edu.au>
David Lean's adaptation of Charles Dickens' most irresistible tale must rank as one of the most astounding masterpieces in all of cinema.
Every detail is wrought with the most painstaking detail and nuance. There are many scenes which stand out but none is more exhilarating as the astounding ending when it appears as if all of London has come out to rescue our hero.
My favorite aspect of this film has to be the depiction of a London in which we have all dreamed of living: gritty, lusty, ugly, beautiful, attractive, repulsive but most of all, exceptionally unique and endearing - yet with pomp and poverty existing side by side.
Oh, so much to say about this film. One runs out of words.
Every performance remains in one's memory, every image in one's heart.