Oliver Twist

David Lean, UK, 1948, 116 minutes

This adaptation of the Dickens novel concentrates on the dangerous world of Fagin and Sykes far more than most versions do, and is consequently a very faithful one. Guinness is Fagin, complete with hooked nose and stoop, managing to be both ingratiating and menacing at the same time, and he and Sykes are both seen as monsters, with no certainty that Oliver will escape from them. This version is really frightening. There is none of the misplaced.cosiness and sentimentality of the musical Oliver!, a result largely due to Lean's [he's not the cinematographer - Guy Green is] excellent cinematography which uses the play of light and shadow to great effect. With a story as well known as this one, it is a real achievement to keep the audience in suspense. Guinness dominates the film with a great performance, but for sheer suspense it would be hard to beat the chase of Sykes by the crown at the end. A classic, particularly recommended for those who have only seen Oliver!

Review by Katherine Edge
Taken from EUFS Programme 1994-95