OLIVER

OLIVER! - 1968

RATING - G (There is some violence and darkness themes that may be a little too much for young children. Otherwise, a great family film.)

AWARDS - 4 Academy Awards including Best Picture plus 5 additional nominations. AFI Top 100 nominee. BAFTA Best Picture nominee.

RATINGS - Ebert (4/4), 109 Amazon ratings (4.5/5), IMBD (7.6/10)

STORY - OLIVER! is the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens famous story Oliver Twist. It is the story of young Oliver Twist who is orphaned and escapes his foster home after first being expelled from the orphanage. He ends up on the streets of 19th Century London where he is 'recruited' by another orphan who is part of a gang of pickpockets who work the streets for their master every day. They are only too happy to have Oliver 'consider himself a part of the family' and learn the trade. In addition to being an outstanding musical, it is a social commentary on England and its attitude toward orphans and child labor, a passion of Charles Dickens. The music, costumes, choreography and settings are all terrific. It deserves every award it received. A classic for the ages. The songs will stay with you long after the movie. Roger Ebert said it best, 'I GUESS IT IS AS WELL MADE AS A MOVIE CAN BE'. If you want to buy it, Amazon has a DVD/SOUNDTRACK combo at very reasonable price. Lu G. for Lu's Reviews. 10/20/2007.

LINKS - AMAZON, IMBD, ROGER EBERT