"OLIVER!" stands out as one of a handful of musical films that successfully do their stage predecessors proud. Infact the film version has many moments superior to the play. The screenplay takes much more of a clue from Dickens actual writing,making it darker than its stage parent. The comic relief however is also handled brilliantly. Ron Moody was born to play Fagin,he recreates his original stage role with aplomb. Equally mesmerizing,comcal and pathetic. His reviewing the situation is the musical highlight of the film. Oliver Reed is a menacing Bill Sykes...never did a more fearsome perormance do justice to the role. the standout supporting portrayals come from the late great comic geniuses Sir Harry Secombe and Leonard Rossiter. Secombe make Bumble the strutting self important poppinjay he should be..and delivers a haunting rendition of "Boy For Sale"..unfortunately they cut his duet with Mrs. Corney,"I Shall Scream". Rossiter shines in his role of Mr. Sowerberry,the Workhouse Undertaker. An actor of unlimited skill all he need do is peer from the window and stretch a long finger to Bumble as he arrives with the boy and he hooks you. Again the producers decided to cut the "Thats Your Funeral" number which would have shown more of Rossiter's comic mastery.
Over all "Oliver!" works as a dramatic slice of life for the poor and oppressed of London and as a timeless musical classic.
Over all "Oliver!" works as a dramatic slice of life for the poor and oppressed of London and as a timeless musical classic.