Oliver! Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An orphan asks for seconds and accidentally starts a musical revolution amongst pickpockets and murderers.

🍿 Oliver!: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Life in the Workhouse

In 1830s England, young Oliver Twist lives in a harsh workhouse with other orphans. They are poorly fed and overworked. Driven by hunger, Oliver bravely asks for more food, leading to his expulsion and subsequent sale as an apprentice.

Escape to London

Oliver endures mistreatment as an apprentice to an undertaker. After being provoked, he escapes and journeys to London seeking a better life. He is naive and vulnerable in the big city.

Fagin’s Gang

In London, Oliver meets the Artful Dodger, who introduces him to Fagin and his gang of young pickpockets. Oliver is initially unaware of their criminal activities and is drawn into their world.

Nancy’s Compassion

Oliver forms a connection with Nancy, Bill Sikes’s girlfriend, who shows him kindness and compassion. Nancy sees Oliver’s innocence and tries to protect him from the dangers of Fagin’s criminal world.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Oliver Twist (Mark Lester): An innocent orphan who escapes a harsh workhouse and becomes entangled with a gang of pickpockets in London.
• Fagin (Ron Moody): The elderly leader of a gang of child pickpockets, who provides Oliver with shelter but exploits him for his own gain.
• Nancy (Shani Wallis): Bill Sikes’s girlfriend and a member of Fagin’s gang, who shows compassion for Oliver and ultimately tries to protect him.
• Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed): A violent and menacing criminal who is associated with Fagin’s gang and poses a threat to Oliver.
• The Artful Dodger (Jack Wild): A skilled young pickpocket and member of Fagin’s gang, who introduces Oliver to the criminal underworld.
• Mr. Bumble (Harry Secombe): The pompous and cruel beadle of the workhouse who sells Oliver into servitude.
• Mr. Brownlow (Joseph O’Conor): A kind and wealthy gentleman who takes pity on Oliver and offers him a home and a chance at a better life.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Oliver Twist: “Please sir, I want some more.” – Oliver bravely asks for more food in the workhouse, defying the oppressive authorities.
• Fagin: “I’m reviewing the situation. Can a fellow be a villain all his life?” – Fagin contemplates reforming his life of crime but ultimately decides against it.
• Nancy: “As long as he needs me…” – Nancy sings about her devotion to Bill Sikes, despite his abusive nature.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $77,386,507
• Worldwide Gross: $77,386,507

💥 Oliver! Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching ‘Oliver!’ as a kid and being completely swept away. The songs were so catchy, and the characters were so vivid, especially Fagin! I think it was the first time I truly understood the power of a good villain. Nancy’s story always makes me cry, and even though it’s a long movie, I never get bored. The ‘Consider Yourself’ scene is just pure joy on screen.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of classic movie musicals”
  • “Those who appreciate Charles Dickens’s stories”
  • “Families looking for a classic film to enjoy together (with caveats)”
  • “People interested in Victorian-era dramas”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Depiction of poverty and child exploitation”
  • “Implied violence and domestic abuse (Nancy’s death)”
  • “Some viewers may find the portrayal of Fagin to be stereotypical”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “A visually stunning and emotionally resonant adaptation of Dickens, bringing the classic story to life with memorable songs and captivating performances. Ron Moody’s Fagin is a delight, and the large-scale musical numbers are a true spectacle.
• Variety: “Carol Reed’s Oliver! is a triumph of cinematic storytelling, breathing vibrant life into Dickens’ timeless tale. The musical numbers are wonderfully staged, the performances are uniformly excellent, and the film captures the dark underbelly of Victorian London with striking authenticity.
• The Guardian: “Oliver! is a lavish and thoroughly entertaining musical that stays true to the spirit of Dickens while adding a new layer of charm and spectacle. The choreography is outstanding, the songs are instantly memorable, and the film is a joy from start to finish.

Audience Reactions

The music is unforgettable, especially ‘Food, Glorious Food’ and ‘Consider Yourself.’: Spectacular musical numbers and strong performances make it a timeless classic.

The dark and gritty depiction of Victorian London is captivating and immersive.: The film does a great job of balancing the musical aspects with the darker themes of Dickens’ story.

Overall Consensus: A beloved classic that masterfully adapts Dickens’ novel into a vibrant and entertaining musical experience. The memorable songs, strong performances, and striking visuals have cemented its place as one of the greatest movie musicals of all time.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Picture)- 1969
2. Academy Award (Best Director)- 1969
3. Academy Award (Best Art Direction)- 1969
4. Academy Award (Best Music, Score of a Musical Picture (Original or Adaptation))- 1969
5. Academy Award (Best Sound)- 1969

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The ‘Consider Yourself’ number took three weeks to film.”
• “Mark Lester’s singing voice was dubbed by Kathe Green, a 20-year-old woman, as director Carol Reed was not pleased with his singing abilities.”

🖥️ How to Watch Oliver!?

As a classic film, Oliver! is widely available. You can find it for streaming rental or purchase on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for potential television broadcasts as well. Physical copies on DVD and Blu-ray are readily available from most major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Oliver!, you might like these similar films:

• My Fair Lady (1964): A lavish and beloved musical adapted from a classic story, sharing a grand scale and memorable songs.
• Annie (1982): Another optimistic musical about an orphan finding a family, with catchy tunes and a heartwarming story.
• Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007): A darker musical set in Victorian London with themes of poverty, crime, and social injustice.

🛒 Oliver! Related Products

• Oliver! (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Remastered]: Relive the magic with the digitally remastered soundtrack! Featuring all the classic songs from the film, this is the perfect way to experience the music of ‘Oliver!’ anytime, anywhere.
• Charles Dickens: Oliver Twist (Signet Classics): Read the original novel by Charles Dickens and explore the source material of the musical. This Signet Classics edition provides insightful commentary and historical context.
• Oliver! Movie Poster – 24×36: A high-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. A great piece for any fan’s collection, bringing a touch of classic cinema to any room.
• Funko Pop! Movies: Oliver! – Fagin: Own a stylized Funko Pop! vinyl figure of Fagin from Oliver! A perfect addition to any Funko Pop! or movie memorabilia collection.

🎧 Soundtrack

Oliver! features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Food, Glorious Food” – performed by Orphan Chorus
• “Consider Yourself” – performed by Jack Wild & Company
• “As Long As He Needs Me” – performed by Shani Wallis
• “You’ve Got to Pick a Pocket or Two” – performed by Ron Moody & Boys

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

🎥 🍿 Oliver Twist, Please Sir I Want Some More

Remember the heartbreaking moment when Oliver dares to ask for more food? This clip showcases that powerful scene. It’s still so iconic, and I get chills every time!

✨ Rate