Oliver Twist

Oliver Twist from 1933 stars Dickie Moore in the title role, Irving Pichel, and William 'Stage' Boyd. The film is a time-honored adaptation of Charles Dickens's famous novel.

Irving Pichel takes on the role of the incorrigibly wicked Fagin, while William 'Stage’ Boyd assumes the identity of the violent robber, Bill Sikes. However, this adaptation truly belongs to Dickie Moore, who lends an earnest portrayal of Dickens's titular orphan hero.

Our story starts in the colors of bleak 19th-century England, where we see deserted streets, falling chimneys, and flashes of distilled poverty everywhere—the perfect canvas for a study of stark human resilience in the face of adversity.

Oliver loses his mother at birth and starts life in the hostile confines of a workhouse, his childhood besmirched by circumstances less than ideal. Margaret Mann plays the role of the stoic, Dickensian figure of Mrs. Corney. She strongly adheres to the prevailing public opinion of the workhouse inhabitants; an opinion of disregard and abhorrence.

The setting of the story is given further depth with the treatment of child laborers in the workhouse. The novel is renowned for its evocative portrayal of injustice, a characteristic the movie successfully captures. It unfolds with the classic scene that sees Oliver mustering the courage to ask for more gruel and subsequently being sold into an apprenticeship.

Dickie Moore's strong and quiet acting brings the essence of Oliver to life, as he embarks on a journey navigating the harsh realities of life – onto the streets, into the underbelly of London's criminal world, grappling with morally complex characters, all while clinging on to the sheer goodness of his heart.

One of the noteworthy aspects of the movie is its vibrant and complex cast of supporting characters. Irving Pichel’s portrayal of Fagin provides a perfect blend of menace and fatherliness. He dexterously molds his gang of child pickpockets, including the memorable Artful Dodger, played by Lionel Belmore, into a well-oiled thieving machine.

Despite the limitations of the early sound era, the director manages to portray the inherently grim aspects of the novel, such as child exploitation, dishonesty, and social stratification, without losing the humanity and occasional comedy integral to Dickens's original narrative.

Certainly, the villainous Bill Sikes, played by William 'Stage' Boyd, is a standout with his imposing physical presence perfectly capturing the menace and unpredictability of the character. His tumultuous relationship with Nancy, played by Doris Lloyd, offers a more adult conflict within Oliver's child-centered narrative, further enriching the cinematic experience.

The visual style of the film helps transport us back to the era – you can almost smell the dank, overcrowded homes and feel the palpable clinging fog that seems to permeate every scene. The cinematography breathes life into the gloomy and grimy atmosphere of the London slums, even while the dialogues and character interactions instill a sense of hope and resilience.

In an unexpected twist, the film does not shy away from portraying the cruel, sadistic parts of society. The performances, particularly those of Moore and Pichel, provide an intoxicating mix of grit and compassion that brilliantly renders Dickens's original characters to reel.

While offering a faithful representation of classic literature, the movie also serves up a social commentary on the poverty and hardship faced by much of England's population at that time. The contrived happiness that graces the characters despite their circumstances is an enamoring takeaway of this film.

In the end, Oliver Twist from 1933 is an unforgettable cinematic experience, one that delves into the seedy underbelly of Victorian society and criminality, yet never losing sight of the enduring innocence and goodness of its protagonist. It delivers an honest and moving portrayal of survival and resilience in the face of adversity and is a testament to a time when kindness and compassion could triumph over grim circumstances.