OLIVER TWIST

Thursday, December 13th at 6:00pm

(Not Rated /  1948 /  105 min.)

When a 9-year-old workhouse orphan (John Howard Davies) is impudent, he is promptly apprenticed to a local undertaker. Suffering torment in that situation, the lad runs away and becomes involved with a gang of youthful London pickpockets---led by an elderly criminal (Alec Guinness) and his vicious associate (Robert Newton). Critically acclaimed version of Charles Dickens' oft-filmed story was considered controversial when initially released---deemed anti-semitic for its problematic depiction of Fagin. Stark black & white photography and stellar performances (by the stars and supporting players like Kay Walsh, Francis L. Sullivan and Anthony Newley) make it memorable viewing.

The fourth and final film in our "4 From '48" series--classics celebrating their 70th anniversary. A commentary/discussion will follow the movie.