Oliver Twist (1997)
A young orphan's journey from the workhouse to the criminal underworld and beyond, brought to life in this family-friendly Disney TV adaptation of Dickens' enduring classic.
Oliver Twist - Movie Information
- Original Title: Oliver Twist
- Release Year: 1997
- Directed by: Tony Bill
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Family, Drama
- Runtime: 1h 31m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 15, 1997 (Germany - 6)
- Alternative Titles: Oliver Twist (PL), As Aventuras de Oliver Twist (BR)
- Production Companies: Laurence Mark Productions, Walt Disney Television
- Production Countries: United States of America
Oliver Twist - Plot
When 9-year-old orphan Oliver Twist dares to ask his cruel taskmaster, Mr. Bumble, for a second serving of gruel, he's hired out as an apprentice. Escaping that dismal fate, young Oliver falls in with the street urchin known as the Artful Dodger and his criminal mentor, Fagin. When kindly Mr. Brownlow takes Oliver in, Fagin's evil henchman Bill Sikes plots to kidnap the boy.
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Oliver Twist - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Tony Bill
Main Cast
- Richard Dreyfuss
- Elijah Wood
- David O'Hara
- Alex Trench
- Antoine Byrne
- Olivia Caffrey
- Anthony Finigan
- Maria Charles
- Des Braiden
- Eileen Colgan
Producers
- Steven North
Oliver Twist - FAQs
What is Oliver Twist (1997) about?
Oliver Twist follows nine-year-old orphan Oliver, who escapes a life of misery and falls in with the Artful Dodger and the cunning Fagin's gang of pickpockets on the streets of London. When a kind gentleman named Mr. Brownlow takes him in, the villainous Bill Sikes plots to drag Oliver back into a life of crime.
Is Oliver Twist (1997) based on a book?
Yes, it's adapted from Charles Dickens' beloved 1838 novel of the same name. Dickens' story of a young orphan navigating poverty, crime, and the hope of a better life has inspired numerous film and stage adaptations, and this 1997 Disney TV version brings that classic tale to a family audience.
Who plays Fagin and the Artful Dodger?
Richard Dreyfuss takes on the role of the scheming Fagin, while Elijah Wood plays the street-smart Artful Dodger. It's a memorable pairing — Dreyfuss brings a theatrical energy to the morally ambiguous villain, and Wood, already a rising star at the time, gives the Dodger a lively, charismatic edge.
Where can you watch Oliver Twist (1997)?
You can check current streaming availability for Oliver Twist (1997) on JustWatch, which tracks where the film is available to rent, buy, or stream in your region. Availability can change over time, so it's worth checking for the latest options.
Who directed the 1997 Oliver Twist film?
Tony Bill directed this version of Oliver Twist. Bill is a filmmaker and actor known for his work on family-friendly productions, and he brings a warm, accessible tone to Dickens' story here, making it a suitable watch for younger audiences while preserving the novel's dramatic core.
How does the 1997 version compare to other adaptations?
This TV movie sits alongside a rich tradition of Oliver Twist adaptations, including the acclaimed 1948 David Lean film and Roman Polanski's 2005 version. The 1997 take is more family-oriented, softening some of Dickens' darker edges while leaning into the adventure and warmth of Oliver's journey toward belonging.
Is Oliver Twist (1997) suitable for children?
Yes, this version is produced with a family audience in mind by Walt Disney Television. While the story does involve themes of poverty, crime, and child exploitation drawn from Dickens' novel, the 1997 adaptation handles these elements in a way that's accessible and appropriate for older children and families watching together.
What are some similar movies to Oliver Twist (1997)?
If you enjoyed this film, you might also like Oliver! (1968), the Oscar-winning musical based on the same story, or the 2005 Oliver Twist directed by Roman Polanski. Other family-friendly classics in a similar vein include The Secret Garden (1993), Anne of Green Gables, and David Copperfield (1935).
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