I think most people know the story of young orphan Oliver Twist (Mark Lester) who, at the film's opening, lives in a workhouse run by Mr. Bumble (Harry Secombe) and his wife (Peggy Mount), who run the place with an iron fist, and feed the children on nothing but gruel.
When Oliver famously asks for more food one night, he is taken out onto the streets and sold to undertaker Sowerberry (Leonard Rossiter). After a disagreement with his new 'family', he runs away to London, where he meets a young boy named Jack Dawkins (Jack Wild) who goes by the moniker 'The Artful Dodger'.
Jack takes Oliver under his wing, and introduces him to Fagin (Ron Moody), an older man who has an entire gang of young pickpockets who keep him wealthy. Fagin also has connections to thief Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed), who is married to ever-faithful wife Nancy (Shani Wallis).
It isn't long before Oliver's life is changed forever, as he is always desperate to please, and hungry for a real family, has joined Fagin and his band of followers.
But Fagin is sure that Oliver will turn them all in, especially when he is taken to live with wealthy Mr. Brownlow (Joseph O'Conor).
The best thing about this film has definitely got to be the music which, as I mentioned above, was written by Lionel Bart. It is a rare thing indeed to find a musical with book, music and lyrics all written by one person, as generally these are regarded as very different skills, and it is a small few who possess the talents necessary to execute all three to a high standard. However, this is not the case here: Bart's libretto and score are absolutely magnificent. His lyrics are clever, witty and full of character and plot information, just as they should be. His music is simply stunning, full of tunes that will stick in your head long after you hear them (again, this is the true mark of a brilliant composer, at least where musicals are concerned; there is no greater praise than to have audiences leaving the theatre at the end of a performance whistling or humming your tunes).
The screenplay - by Vernon Harris - takes Bart's libretto (padding it out a little with extra details from Dickens's novel) and lifts it from a magnificent stage musical into a even more magnificent film. Every character is so clearly and separately defined, with plenty of character conflicts - both internal and external - to propel the story forward. In particular, the strained relationship between Bill and Nancy Sikes is so well conveyed through the script (some of this is Bart's work, and some is Harris's).
John Box's production design is fantastic, taking the audience back to the nineteenth century, and planting them right in the middle of a London that is vastly different from the London of today. And of course, Phyllis Dalton's beautiful costumes only add to the overall effect; every single outfit is perfect for the character wearing it, but in particular, the dresses are - in a word - stunning.
The performances of the entire cast are fabulous, but particular mention must be made of Lester's performance as the young titular orphan. He has such amazingly expressive eyes, that will melt your heart in every scene in which he appears.
Harry Secombe is also fantastic as Mr. Bumble, bringing not only his talent for character acting but also his amazing singing voice to the role.
Actually, the entire cast are great singers, which I realise is to be expected with a musical film such as this one. But the clear standout, vocally speaking, has got to be Shani Wallis, who plays Nancy. Her voice is so expressive and full of emotion, and her ability to hit every note (with quite a large vocal range) is right on target.
Director Carol Reed has made an absolutely beautiful film here, which well and truly deserved every single one of the six Academy Awards it won (Best Sound, Best Director, Best Art Direction, Best Score, an Honorary Award for its choreography, and the big one, Best Picture). I try to watch this film at least once a year, and would strongly recommend you do the same; it is just as amazing each and every time.
9 out of 10.
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