Oliver! 1968

The film begins in the era surrounding the New Poor Law of 1837, where a group of thin, young, and barefoot boys find themselves confined in a grim workhouse. A group of governors, including Mr. Bumble portrayed by Harry Secombe, enter the scene. The atmosphere is tense as Mrs. Bumble (Peggy Mount) rings a bell, signaling mealtime for the weary boys. As they gather, they sing a hopeful tune about their yearning for more food—Food, Glorious Food!

In a pivotal moment, the boys draw straws, and a small boy, who turns out to be Oliver Twist (Mark Lester), draws the longest one. With trepidation, he approaches the front and utters the unforgettable plea, > “Please Sir, I want some more.” This ignites the outrage of Mr. Bumble, who then drags Oliver to the governors, who hastily decide to throw him out.

Now orphaned and wearing rags, Oliver and Mr. Bumble roam the streets, desperately searching for someone to take the boy in, singing Boy For Sale. Their journey leads them to an undertaker named Mr. Sowerberry, played by Leonard Rossiter, who reluctantly buys Oliver and forces him into the role of a coffin follower.

The spirit of Oliver is soon tested when he loses his temper after Noah, a fellow apprentice, insults his late mother. In retaliation, he is punished and locked away in a cellar. Alone, he sings a heart-wrenching song about his mother’s love, > Where Is Love? After his emotional release, he manages to escape the confines of the cellar and climbs aboard a passing carriage, ultimately making his way to London.

Upon his arrival, Oliver meets a streetwise boy who introduces himself as Jack Dawkins, famously known as the Artful Dodger, played by Jack Wild. He reassures Oliver that he knows of an old gentleman who can provide him shelter without charge. This leads Oliver to Fagin (portrayed by Ron Moody), who introduces him to a life of crime where they pickpocket the wealthy, delivering the catchy number, You’ve Got To Pick A Pocket Or Two.

As the night unfolds, while the boys peacefully sleep, Fagin makes a dubious trip to the local tavern, where he encounters the notorious Bill Sikes (Oliver Reed). Their meeting culminates in an exchange of stolen valuables. Meanwhile, Nancy (Shani Wallis), Sikes’ lover who works at the bar, expresses her tumultuous life and love for Sikes through her poignant song, > It’s A Fine Life.