Customer Reviews

Oliver Twist [VHS]

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4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(2)

 

 

It's hard to know where to start in explaining what makes David Lean's "Oliver Twist" one of the most nearly perfect films ever made. It is a work of art and inspires awe in its every aspect. The black and white photography is brilliant, and the story is told as much visually as in dialog. The music is lively and triumphant one minute, eerie and chilling the next, perfectly augmenting the visual mood. The acting is superb, the characterizations unforgettable. Alec Guinness IS Fagin, Robert Newton IS Bill Sykes, the incredible Francis L. Sullivan IS Mr. Bumble. No other actors have ever come close to delineating those characters as well, nor could they after these hallmark performances. This movie is seeping with art, yet the art is non-intrusive. Rather, the film is an awe-inspiring delight from beginning to end.

As for the Criterion DVD, it's a very good transfer from what was probably the best print available -- a pretty good print considering its age. Regarding brightness and contrast, all the beauty of the black & white photography seems to have been preserved, and the sound, although only as good as 1948 standards, is not distorted and does not unduly draw attention to itself.

If you like movies, this DVD should be in your collection if only for its fascinating contrast with some of the modern color epics you undoubtedly own. If you have never seen it before, be forewarned that there are scenes in this masterwork that will permanently brand themselves into your brain, to be recalled later by association many times in your life when similar images are seen, and when similar music is heard.

This is not just a great movie -- it's an essential and unforgettable experience.

Charles Dickens' "Oliver Twist" first appeared in a magazine in 1838. Since then, 13 motion picture versions have graced the silver screen. Perhaps the uncontested classic was released in England in 1948. David Lean stands within a tiny circle of 20th Century film directors who could literally paint with a camera. And paint he did. Dark and moody, his "Oliver Twist" opens in an English countryside storm, as a pregnant young girl seeks shelter from the squall. She is about to give birth to Oliver Twist. Intentionally mute, there is no dialogue until seven minutes into the story. The stage is set for gothic evil and tragic foreboding. Lean auditioned 1500 boys for the lead role, but complained that, in each case, "there was nothing in the eyes". He eventually settled on 8 year-old John Howard Davies. Hard-drinking Robert Newton plays Bill Sikes. Alec Guinness appeared in 6 David Lean productions. His second was here as Fagin. Future movie beauty Diana Dors has a small part. Peter Bull and Francis L. Sullivan are outstanding in supporting roles. Filmed in the shadows of St. Paul's Cathedral, "Oliver Twist" reveals the circuitous, seamy London backwaters of the 19th Century. I have to say it. The extras for this Criterion DVD are rather "lean". However, it does contain a trailer, and 12 minutes of film censored from the original 1951 U.S. release. These scenes show Fagin giving a pick-pocket lesson, and counting his jewels. Charles Dickens and David Lean were just at the beginning of their long and prodigious careers when each released their own versions of "Oliver Twist". Amazingly for both, the best was yet to come.

In an age where effects and overpaid actors seem to be the only draw to a movie as opposed to just great storytelling, this is a great example of what a move could be and should be. Maybe some of our contemporary directors should take note here. The cast carefully selected with Great performaces by John Howard Davies as Oliver and Alec Guiness as Fagan. This is a movie that can be watched over and over and still evoke feeling. I applaud Criteron for a wonderful job of preservation. A must have for any dvd collector.

There have been many versions of Charles Dickens classic, OLIVER TWIST. Indeed, ever since movies began, there have been numerous attempts to bring this classic tale of a young boy's battle against thieves, neglect and abuse to the screen. However, it is this version, directed by the great David Lean, that has come to be regarded as the definitive version. By now, the story of a young abused orphan who escapes the workhouse, only fall into a den of thieves, is a familiar one. It is also blessed with some of Dickens' most memorable characters: the brutal Bill Sikes and his girlfriend Nancy, the pompous Mr. Bumble, the noble Mr. Brownlow, the envious Monks, and last but not least, the sly and nasty Fagin and his rag-tag gang of boy thieves, including the sneaky Artful Dodger.

Lean captures the atmosphere of the tale perfectly with stark black and images that will haunt your mind's eye, while Bernard Herrmann presents a wonderfully classic score. One musical highlight is when Fagin teaches Oliver the finer points of pickpocketing with a wonderfully amusing demonstration. Lean's direction also keeps the moving as a good clip, while not sacrificing the finer points of his narrative.

As for the casting, they do a wonderful job to the point of seeming to come bounding out of the page itself. Francis Sullivan is perfect as the blustery beadle of the workhouse, Mr. Bumble. Robert Newton (years before he would ham it up as Long John Silver for Disney's TREASURE ISLAND) turns in a dark and violent turn as the thuggish Bill Sikes. Kay Walsh is equal parts steel and heartache as the ill-fated Nancy. John Howard Davies (who would eventually become a famed British television producer) is touching as the title character, without becoming too saccharine. Henry Stephenson makes for a warm and caring Mr. Brownlow. A very young Anthony Newley makes a strong impression as the fantastic Artful Dodger. But, in the end, it is Alec Guinness's controversial performance of the master thief, Fagin, that will linger in the memory. In unrecognizable make-up designed to make him look the worst Jewish stereotype, combined with a mincing, lisping manner, Guinness creates a truly slimy and disturbing character that generates controversy to this very day. Indeed, when the film was first released in 1948, many critics were up-in-arms over the seeming anti-Semitic portrayal of Fagin to the point that the film wasn't allowed in the US until 1951, when some small cuts of Guinness' performance were made.

There have been many other versions of this classic drama, ranging from the solid Lon Chaney/Jackie Coogan silent, to the wonderful 1968 musical OLIVER!, to the rather limp Disney remake. But, this one has stood the test of time as the definitive version. As such, this is a must see film for all fans of Dickens' work and one that I give one of my highest recommendations.

This film of Dickens' "Oliver Twist" from 1948 is still the best that has ever been done. The choices made to tell the story in two hours are quite amazing in the detail and sub plots and choice dialogue from the book that they still keep in. David Lean can do all this because of his masterful work with the camera. The scenes are so evocative of London Dickens paints in the novel. There is faceless barren despair in the workhouse, smoke and decay in London slum near St. Paul's Cathedral, and the light and beauty of Clerkenwell (that was back then) where the wealthy Mr. Brownlow lives.

The black and white filming actually adds to the light and shadow of the story and helps evoke the right moods as much as any musical score. I think it is actually a plus for this film even though it is a bit of a chore getting young people to cue in on the contributions of black and white over color pictures. Still, my youngest son could clearly see why this was a great telling of the story.

Here we have a thirty-three year old Alec Guinness made up in a way that probably would not work nowadays and emphasizes Fagin's Jewishness, but doesn't make Fagin out to be anything more than he is as a person. Guinness does NOT make Fagin out to be bad because he is a Jew, but rather that he is a miserly criminal who happens to be Jewish. It is a fine portrayal of Fagin and masterfully acted.

Robert Newton is very threatening as the monster Bill Sikes. He pulls the job off quite well and we get a very complex picture of his attitudes towards Fagin, Nancy, and the world. As an aside, Newton was a very popular actor who harmed his career and shortened his life with drink, as did Oliver Reed who portrayed Sikes so well in "Oliver!". Just a strange coincidence.

Kay Walsh does a fine job with Nancy, who is portrayed more as she is in the book rather than the heroine she is made to be in the musical and in some sloppy versions on film or for TV. She was married to Lean at the time although they divorced in 1949. John Howard Davies really does look the part of the small and slight Oliver Twist and acts out the role quite well. He had a fine career but mostly as a director and producer including Monty Python's Flying Circus in 1969.

We also get to see the young Anthony Newly (all of sixteen) as the Artful Dodger and many other wonderful character actors as well as a huge cast of extras. Remember, this was only a couple of years after World War II and there were a lot of people grateful for any kind of work for any length of time.

This is an immortal story that millions still love to read, hear, and see. This is a telling of the story that is awfully good. While I still recommend the book most of all, if you are going to watch a film version, this is the one I would start with and recommend most highly.

John Howard-Davies as Oliver,Robert Newton as Bill Sykes,and unforgettable is Alec Guinness,buried beneath the make-up,and totally convincing as the villianous,but lovable rouge,Fagin. Dickens' "Oliver Twist",bought to life with a some fantastic on-screen characterizations.The Nineteenth Century London Streets and shops,and Fagins little hideaway,for his little thieves,re-created in rich detail,adds a real depth of atmosphere.An extremely entertaining film with some memorable scenes,including:The demise of Bill Sykes,When Oliver reaches London,and meets the Artful Dodger,and almost every time Fagin appears,or even Bill Sykes Bull Terrier Dog.For the film,5/5. Transfer quality:Because this film was made in 1948,i did expect more than the occasional scratch,and a lot of dirty marks and blemishes.I saw very little of either.Rarely did i see a scratch,and noticed virtually no blemishes,dirt,and on an overall basis,the picture was sharper,and cleaner than i had previously seen.Original Aspect Ratio,1.33/1.,4.5/5. The sound quality:Dolby Digital-(Mono)All sound effects are entirely crisp and clear,some background noise is evident on occasion,and also some popping glitches,but this never really distracted me,being absorbed in the film.Considering the films age,i'd say the sound quality on this DVD,overall,is pleasing,4/5. Conclusion:Great Film,very good picture,good sound.Extras are a little thin on the ground.While i respect the immense,and painstaking work that has gone into this DVD by Criterion,and that the cost and effort to which,must obviously be recovered,i thinkthat ...(the price),is a little excessive.Such a timeless piece of film-making should be made more easily available!?

Anyone who inadvertently, as I did, arrives at this site may be discouraged from renting or buying this production of Oliver Twist after seeing the two one star reviews others have posted here. I consider this a five star version of this Dickens' classic novel for these reasons.

First, the acting is uniformly excellent by a large cast starting with John Howard Davies as the young orphan Oliver Twist. Davies, as Oliver, is small and frail, yet he has a fighting spirit that prompts him to attack an older boy who slanders his mother. He exudes an inner goodness that prompts some to love him and others to try and corrupt him, particularly the trainer of young thieves, Fagin, who kidnaps Oliver and tries to make a pickpocket out of him.

Fagin is played by the great English actor, Alec Guinness, in one of his finest roles. Fagin appears to care for the gang of young thieves he has organized to roam the streets of London searching for easy marks whose wallents and other valuables are brought back to his lair. Guinness shows us the evil core of this famous Dickens' villain in an unforgettable performance.

Robert Newton perfectly plays Bill Sykes, a violent thief and murderer. Whenever Newton is on screen even his own dog knows enough to keep his distance, for Sykes will kill even those closest to him when he goes into a rage over some real or imagined slight. Francis L. Sullivan as Mr. Bumble, the parochial beadle, Kay Walsh as Nancy, Sykes' girlfriend, and the young Anthony Newley as the Artful Dodger are all equally effective in their roles.

Second, the story is one of Dickens' most popular and entertaining, not only when the book was published well over a century ago, but also today as evidenced by the its stature as a classic and the great number of filmed adaptations that continue to today with Roman Polanski's new version recently in theaters. Dickens' was the first of the great writers to make children the heroes of their own stories. Other great characters include Little Nell of The Old Curiosity Shop, Nicholas Nickleby, and David Copperfield, Dickens' personal favorite.

Third, David Lean's direction is superb, as we might expect from one of the masters of filmmaking. Lean brings to life the London of the 19th Century, with all its squalor and ugliness. As mentioned, he elicits fine performances from a large cast. Those viewers who decide to read the novel will, I think, be pleased with the care Lean has taken to be true to Dickens' intentions.

This film took me by surprise. Lean's reputation as a master was enough for me to take a look at his treatment of Dickens' early novel; I was delighted with the high quality of every aspect of this movie. The Criterion Collection has reissued this film. I recommend that anyone who reads this review go to that site on Amazon.com for more information on this highly recommended film.

Although it takes liberties with the plot of Charles Dickens' classic, David Lean's 1948 version of OLIVER TWIST brilliantly captures the darkness and desolation, as well as the grotesqueness and humor, of its source. John Howard Davies as Oliver is the picture of angelic innocence. His underworld nemeses include Alec Guinness, the most repulsive Fagin imaginable; Robert Newton, perfect as the murderous Bill Sikes; and the teenage Anthony Newley, an intense and authentically Cockney Artful Dodger. Kay Walsh is excellent as the doomed Nancy, though I personally would prefer a more youthful depiction of the character. With its vivid cast and masterful direction, Lean's stirring yet unsentimental OLIVER TWIST is surely one of the finest films ever made of a Dickens novel.

Here, we have the incredible - an adaptation of Dickens that is true to the original, with no attempts to minimise the sordid elements for the sake of entertainment value. Yet the cinematographers art is what is most brilliantly expressed. The opening sequences, though devoid of dialogue, totally capture the viewer, making the tragic situation of poverty vivid. To cite just one further example, when the line is spoken about the workhouse as a "place of entertainment" for those of that class, and the camera focusses on workhouse inmates avidly trying to complete gruelling work, the single shot speaks a volume.

The adaptation is tasteful and elegant, and the film may be viewed by those of any age - though new viewers should be cautioned that this is no light-hearted romp (...unlike a few other versions I could mention) but pure Dickens. For literary and artistic merit, few films could match the brilliance of this one.

This is a classic, fantastic film that comes as close to art as a movie can come. Filmed more than half a century ago by director David Lean, Oliver Twist puts the modern blockbuster to shame.



On the suggested anti-semitism of Alec Guinness's Fagin I have something to say. In this movie Fagin is a caricature. To suggest, as some reviewers have, that this amounts to a hatred of, and an attack on Jews is ridiculous. To link the portrayal of Fagin to suicide bombings and death camps is, in my opinion, nothing but self obsessive. The Christians don't come out of this flick looking too good (Sir, our charity is being taken advantage of!). Half of them are pompous idiots and the other half cruel and heartless taskmasters. Rather, the portrayal of England as a grim and hard place only reflects the desperate struggle that every poor person, Gentile or Jew, faced in trying to make a living. This movie is more of a mirror of the social values and class system of England 200 years ago than anything else.



Every character in this movie is flawed; that's one of the reasons it's such a classic. Despite his grotesque appearance and suspect motives, we can thank Fagin for being the first person in the movie to make Oliver laugh, when he and the Dodger perform the art of pickpocketing. And laugh Oliver does. He positively squeals with joy.



The Criterion print is pretty good. The contrast is excellent and the sound is crisp. Look out for some suprising camoes. A young Diana Dors appears as Charlotte and Hattie Jacques is one of the singers at the Three Cripples pub.