Oliver Twist *** (1982, George C Scott, Tim Curry, Michael Hordern) – Classic Movie Review 9171

Director Clive Donner’s 1982 Oliver Twist is an excellent TV movie version of the classic Charles Dickens tale starring George C Scott as an almost fatherly Fagin and Tim Curry as the evil thug Bill Sikes.

Both exciting but variable players are on fine form here, rising to the occasion. Oscar-winning writer James Goldman provides an intelligent, well-crafted screenplay, which races along in a compact 103 minutes. And the period detail and fine performances also help to make this a rich and rewarding adaptation. Richard Charles plays orphaned boy Oliver Twist, Michael Hordern plays the wealthy Mr Brownlow, Timothy West plays Mr Bumble, Cherie Lunghi plays Nancy and Philip Locke plays Mr Sowerberry.

Del Acevado (personal makeup artist to Mr Scott) and Pauline Heys were nominated for an Emmy for the makeup.

Also in the cast are Eileen Atkins, Lysette Anthony, Oliver Cotton, Martin Tempest, Matthew Drew, Eleanor David, Ann Tirard, John Savident, Timothy Spall, Brenda Cowling, John Barrard and Ann Beach.

It was filmed at Elstree Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England.

Though made for and premiered on American TV, it was released in cinemas elsewhere.

Oliver Twist is directed by Clive Donner, runs 103 minutes, is made by Claridge Productions, Grafton Productions and Norman Rosemont Productions, is released by CBS, is written by James Goldman, based on the novel by Charles Dickens, is shot by Norman G Langley, is produced by William F Storke, Ted Childs and Norton Ramsey, and is scored by Nick Bicât.

Richard Charles was born on June 17, 1971. He played The Dauphin in The Scarlet Pimpernel (1982) and appeared in TV Series Press Gang in 1991.

© Derek Winnert 2019 Classic Movie Review 9171

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