Oliver!, a British musical film, was directed by Carol Reed and premiered in 1968. The film starred Mark Lester as Oliver Twist, Ron Moody as Fagin, and Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger. The movie was based on Lionel Bart's successful stage musical of the same name, which premiered in the West End in 1960.
The story is set in 19th-century England and follows Oliver Twist, a young orphan who escapes from his miserable life in the workhouse and joins a gang of young thieves led by Fagin. Along the way, Oliver befriends the streetwise Artful Dodger and is taken in by a kindhearted wealthy man, Mr. Brownlow, who tries to protect him from the criminal underworld.
However, Fagin and his gang, including the brutal Bill Sikes and his lover Nancy, try to recapture Oliver and force him back into their criminal lifestyle. In the end, Oliver is rescued by Mr. Brownlow and his servants, and the villains are brought to justice. The movie ends on a happy note with Oliver being adopted by Mr. Brownlow and starting a new life full of hope and promise.
Oliver! features several iconic musical numbers, including "Food, Glorious Food," "Consider Yourself," "As Long as He Needs Me," and "Who Will Buy?" The movie was a critical and commercial success, winning five Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. It remains a beloved classic and an enduring testament to the power of music and storytelling.