This is a truly wonderful film from Sir Carol Reed, one that I’m sure would have pleased Charles Dickens immensely. Mark Lester is perfectly suited to play the timid young man at the center of the story; he's been raised in a brutal Victorian workhouse environment. His simple request for “more” during dinner leads to him being sold to the local undertaker, and from there he escapes to London, continuing the familiar …

I feel very connected to Oliver! Charles Dickens’ well-known story about an orphan boy, Oliver Twist, who flees a difficult life to find success and wealth in London, has been turned into a visually appealing musical. It's surprising how charming and pleasant a tale from such a gifted writer as Dickens can be. This is certainly true of Carol Reed’s memorable 1968 Best Picture and Best Director Winner. It doesn'…