Let’s get this out of the way: I actually enjoy watching musicals, much to my wife’s dismay. For you see, she abhors the genre (unless it’s Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera… that’s a whole different story). Strangely enough, with all the Disney movies I grew up with and even my mother’s obsession with watching the The Sound of Music every year, I really didn’t appreciate musicals until I watched Oliver!, a 1968 British musical film based on the stage musical of the same name, both of which are adapted from Charles Dickens’ famous novel Oliver Twist, thanks to the direction of Sir Carol Reed with music and lyrics written by Lionel Bart.

The story of an orphan boy born of poverty and misfortune has been adapted in film many times throughout the years, but it’s this version that stands out from the rest. After being sold from the orphanage because he asked for more food ("Please, sir, I want some more"), Oliver manages to escape from his new owners and is taken in by Fagin and his thieving, pickpocketing gang of children. But Oliver's misfortune becomes worse when he crosses paths with one of Fagin's former students, the vile Bill Sykes.

Dickens' story is a re-accounting for the life and times during this period, mainly the poor working conditions and the exploitation of children as child labourers. It is a dark tale, without a doubt, and the musical doesn't hide that fact at all. Still, the injection of song and dance, believe it or not, generates more interest. This would have greatly failed if not for the incredible performers and the memorable tunes.

Carol Reed deserves all the accolades for putting this film together. I can only imagine what a daunting task it must be to translate the stage musical into a feature film, but he manages to succeed in every aspect, perhaps even making it better. Switching from speaking parts to musical numbers is not an easy task but it is done seamlessly throughout the entire movie. Never once did I feel anything was out of place. The choreography is still astounding especially when watching the musical number “Who Will Buy?”. The sheer volume of actors involved to make it all work is incredible and really is a masterpiece all unto itself.

All the players involved really propel this movie musical to greatness, from Mark Lester (Oliver), Jack Wild (The Artful Dodger), Oliver Reed (Bill Sykes), Shani Wallis (Nancy) and Harry Secombe (Mr. Bumble). However, the standout performance in my eyes belongs to Ron Moody, who reprises his role as Fagin from his stage performance. Even though it is Oliver who pulls at our heartstrings, Moody’s Fagin is really the heart of the film. As comical as he makes the character, there are many layers underneath his skin. It makes him more sympathetic as opposed to Bill Sykes who is just brutal and vulgar in comparison.

Lionel Bart did an outstanding job with the music composition. These are songs I still remember to this very day and can recite them word for word. Shani Wallis is masterful as she sings the heartfelt “As Long As He Needs Me” as well as the lively “Oom-Pah-Pah”. Moody is equally outstanding with “Pick a Pocket or Two”, “Be Back Soon” and the reflective “Reviewing the Situation”. Of course, who can forget “Food Glorious Food” that really sets the entire mood for the film. Recently, I keep hearing the song “Boy For Sale” pop up in my head. I guess this is the result of a certain newborn boy who is making his parents very sleep-deprived.

Oliver! is a combination of fun and frolics that help mask the serious dark nature of the story. Keep in mind that this movie is an adaptation of a musical stage play that is an adaptation of a novel. There are things that have been changed from the original source material but it definitely keeps the underlying spirit intact. I still enjoy watching Oliver! to this very day, mostly because it reminds me of my seventh grade school year. Our class put on a production of Oliver! for the school and I passed over a great opportunity to play Fagin. I was actually chosen for the role because, lo and behold, I was actually a good singer at the time. But I also had the biggest case of stage fright and didn’t have the nerve to go for the part. It’s probably one of my biggest regrets in life, so now I have to live vicariously through this movie. I think someone was trying to tell me that I’m really a crook at heart.


Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Good for Groups
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children up Ages 8