Watch Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist is a critically acclaimed American film from 1933 based on the famous novel by Charles Dickens. This classic film recounts the story of the titular character - an orphan boy who navigates the harsh realities of life in 19th century London. The film begins with Oliver, played by child actor Dickie Moore, living in a workhouse with other poor children. The boys are mistreated and abused by the staff, and Oliver is singled out for worse treatment due to his small size and perceived weakness. Eventually, Oliver is sold to an undertaker named Mr. Sowerberry, who puts him to work as an apprentice in his funeral home.

Despite his difficult circumstances, Oliver finds moments of happiness - particularly when he meets another young boy named Jack Dawkins, who goes by the nickname of "The Artful Dodger". The Dodger introduces Oliver to Fagin, a charismatic criminal who runs a gang of pickpockets. Fagin sees potential in Oliver and recruits him to join the group.

Oliver soon finds himself caught up in a web of crime and violence. He is arrested and put on trial for theft, but his innocence is eventually proven. However, his troubles are far from over. He is forced to flee London and go on the run, pursued by dangerous criminals who want him dead.

Throughout the movie, Oliver encounters various characters who shape his journey. There is the wealthy and kindhearted Mr. Brownlow, who takes Oliver in and shows him genuine love and affection. There is also the villainous Bill Sykes, whose brutal nature and twisted schemes threaten Oliver's safety and well-being.

The film deals with themes of poverty, injustice, and corruption. It highlights the stark contrast between the privileged lives of the wealthy and the miserable existence of the lower classes. It also shows how easy it is for young people to be drawn into a life of crime and how difficult it can be to escape.

One of the most memorable aspects of Oliver Twist is its standout performances. Dickie Moore delivers a fantastic portrayal of Oliver, capturing both his innocence and his courage in the face of danger. Irving Pichel is equally impressive as the manipulative Fagin, displaying a range of emotions that make it difficult to entirely hate him. William "Stage" Boyd is terrifying as Bill Sykes, perfectly capturing the character's brutal nature and volatile temper.

The film's production design is also noteworthy. It captures the grittiness and dirt of industrial era London, immersing the viewer in the cityscape of the time. The costumes and props are also incredibly detailed, creating an authentic atmosphere that is both immersive and engaging.

In conclusion, Oliver Twist is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It showcases fantastic performances, gorgeous production design, and a heartwrenching story that is both captivating and thought-provoking. It is a must-see film for fans of classic cinema and anyone interested in exploring the cruel realities of life in 19th century London.

Oliver Twist is a 1933 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.