Oliver Twist (1985)

The classic story of the poor orphan Oliver experiences the terror and brutality of the criminal world with his companions: a pickpocket a thief a prostitute and a fence. Born and raised in the appalling deprivation of the workhouse the orphan Oliver escapes only to fall in with a gang of child thieves. Oliver's rescue by the kindly Mr. Brownlow is only the beginning of a series of adventures that lead him to an incredible discovery.Running Time: 354 min.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA UPC: 794051233325 Product Description

Very good... just a bit drawn out at times.

Very good rendition... a few segments are a bit drawn out at times... and a number of the shots are very dark (lighting)... I guess to simulate the pre-electric point in time. Made it difficult to "see" some of the details in the scenes though. Well worth the sale price that I was able to obtain. August 12, 2006

Dickens Classic with Dickensian Details!

This version of Oliver Twist was a real pleasure! While a dramatization that stays fairly close to the original, the producers did this one right by giving it the time it needed. While the cast is of people little-known in the US, fans of classic literature should sit up and take notice of this one.

Ben Rodska does a wonderful portrayal of Oliver Twist that really brings home just how difficult life was in the workhouse. Dickens' book brought the plight of the poor into the public light in Britain, causing the dismantlement of the workhouse system and the poor laws. The actors and acresses in this episodic telling of the story convincingly prove to the viewer just how bad life could be in the early-to-mid 1800s.

Bill Sikes is frighteningly well played. Fagin is absolutely disreputable. Nancy is pitiable and trapped in a life filled with misery--and knows it.

Performed in twelve half-hour episodes, Oliver Twist has a simple musical score that enhances the rich visual imagery. People and places abound. This is the England of 1825 you long to see.

Oliver says it best: "Please, sir. I want some more!" March 8, 2006

One of the best films about this classic.

I want to compare CBS version with other film versions I saw:

Oliver Twist 1933 One of the first versions. Too brief, but a regular edition, even it was very deteriorated by the time.
Oliver Twist 1945 One of the best version with Barrymore.
Oliver Twist (Disney Version) Too dark, images have too shadows. Regular version, Faggin was not the best characterization as other versions.
Oliver! This Musical was one triumph! Carol Reed was the Director won an Oscar, the film too, and other nominations.
The Music was excellent. The characterization of Faggin, one of the best ever.
Oliver Twist 2005 - To be seen and reviewed soon. November 20, 2005

the ultimate version!

I have been waiting for this version, as it is , in my opinion, vastly superior to many of the newer version. The characters stay with you for a long time to come, and I have found myself using this a the yardstick to measure others with. It is funny touching, absorbing, gripping and a highly satisfactory production. To praise one character over the rest of the cast is not fair. Eric Porter, of course, is welknown, whereas the rest are fairly unfamiliar, but everybody does a splendid job.
If you don't know this version! You are in for a treat! September 6, 2005

More reviews at Amazon.com ...