“You’re going to get a concept that maybe this really is one world and why the hell can’t we learn to live together like decent people.” ~ Astronaut Frank Borman, on seeing the entire earth from outer space as he and the crew of the Apollo 8 returned from orbiting the moon.
The 1968 film, based on the stage musical, which, of course, is based on the Charles Dickens novel, Oliver Twist, won six Academy awards, including Best Picture in 1968. It starred British actors Ron Moody and Oliver Reed, and introduced Jack Wild as the Artful Dodger and Mark Lester as Oliver.
The film earned $10.5 million North American box office and took in $77,402,877 worldwide, making it the seventh highest-grossing film of 1968.
BONUS MUSIC!
Here’s the #22 song from Billboard’s Year-End Top 100 Singles of 1968
“I Wish It Would Rain” by The Temptations
Martha Reynolds Writes 
Oliver! is still a favorite musical of mine. I watched it for the first time in 4th grade before we did a play for the elementary school audience. I was really looking forward to playing Sikes or Dodger or anyone important, but instead got left with a small part with one line due to my limited English language skills at the time – Policeman #3. I got sick later that day and that ended my acting career. But still one of my favorite musicals! Thanks for the article!
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Martha,
I have not read the book or have I seen the movie, ‘Oliver’. I really would like to catch one of the vintage productions, though. I figured I would know the Temptations song but it doesn’t sound familiar to my ears. Happy A2Zing and thanks for visiting my A2Z iPad Art Sketch of a big-eyed owl post today.
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Hi Cathy,
I bet you could find the book and maybe even a copy of the movie at your local library.
As for the song, I was unfamiliar with it (even though I love The Temptations). But when my husband clicked the link and it started playing, he sang along word for word!
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Love that song! 68 was such an amazing year!
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Hi Martha – great to be reminded of another version of Oliver – my parents went a couple of times up to London to see the musical – I was never taken!! This version I’d love to see … cheers Hilary
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I wonder if the whole movie is online, Hillary?
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1968 had some pretty great music!
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I love the novel, the film and the play which I’ve also seen on several ocassions, from school plays to the London Palladium. One of my favourite all time characters ❤
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Luccia, my husband and I went to London 20 years ago and were fortunate to get tickets to see “Oliver!” at the Palladium, with Jim Dale as Fagin. It was spectacular.
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no worries! wrong number was nice about it. I am making meatballs and sauce. if you want some, please come down with a container. xx
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As I told someone else who chose ‘Oliver’, I have never seen a movie but I did see the musical play with one of the Monkees. Ages ago. I would like to read the book someday.
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Denise, I’ve read the book multiple times. It is marvelous. Do yourself a favor and indulge!
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Agreed, Connie!
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Denise, the movie, for me at 10, was possibly the best thing ever. My sister and I even had the musical score for (beginners) piano, so we could learn the songs!
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I don’t even know how many times I saw “Oliver.” I was mesmerized by the music, by the contrast between Mark Lester’s beauty and innocence and Oliver Reed’s innate menace and evil. And the music! I am not an aficionado of musicals in general; there are a handful I like. This is one of them.
Just looking at your illustration brought back to many memories.
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Same for me! At 10, I was in love with Mark Lester and his soft face. Too young to understand the raw sex appeal of Oliver Reed. 😉
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I LOVE that Temptations song!!!
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