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Carol Reed’s musical “Oliver!” is unabashed family fare, but nevertheless a thoroughly entertaining adaption of the Dickens classic novel – or more nearly, the Lionel Bart stage musical on which it is truly based. The result is a rare musical masterpiece made in a decade when lavish movie musicals were considered passé. The memorable numbers everybody left theaters humming back in 1968 include “Consider Yourself,” “Food Glorius Food,” “You’e Got to Pick a Pocket or Two,” and “Where Is Love?”
The film’s casting may lack obvious star power, but Reed had the good sense to cast Ron Moody, who created the unforgettable Fagin on stage. Jack Wild shines as the mischievous Artful Dodger and Mark Lester delivers an endearing performance as the titular orphan. Also featuring Oliver Rees, Harry Secombe, Hugh Griffith, Leonard Rossiter, Peggy Mount – and a number of other instantly recognizable faces and voices, even if their names are unfamiliar.
While the film certainly does not adhere strictly to Dickens’ darker themes, and the sentimentality is often over the top, this remains a visually stunning and emotionally resonant cinematic experience loaded with colorful sets, energetic choreography, and memorable music. It still has the power to charm. Winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director, (153 minutes)