A couple of minor errors in the narration (wrote and narrated this video rapidly between other projects). I accidentally called Charles Dickens ... Charles Dickenson and called the dog Bulldog instead of Bullseye. But those name errors have no effect on the subject at hand - analysis of Reed's version of Bill Sykes himself - so no need to moan about those two verbal slipups as i'm already aware of them. If you have disagreements about the breakdown of Sykes I'm glad to hear them. Cheers folks.
First time I watched this video, about 3 years ago, I heard you say Bulldog and that made me question my own knowledge. I think I queued up the movie and I was pretty sure, but still not certain because I’m American and languages that it was Bullseye. Not a criticism, it’s just I noticed it back then. Good job mate! I’ve been on an Oliver Reed kick lately so this video got put back in my feed. I loved this movie especially because of the Bill Sykes character. Good job mate, love your videos.
Good video. Always liked olly reed. But you mention about the scar on his face. He was attacked in a night club in the early 60s by 2 blokes that he got in to a heated chat with at the bar. He want to the toilet and the 2 blokes were in there with broken bottles. His words to them were "come to help me have a pee have you!" The rest is history. He did however nearly lose his acting career due to the scars on his face.
When I first saw this film as a kid, Sykes was utterly terrifying. Brutal, heavy, dark and you felt like he meant it. Perhaps it was because Olly Reed was a drinker, and his erratic menace was real, maybe it’s because he is a great actor. Probably a combo of the two. Either way, it doesn’t matter, the performance is ferocious, indelible and standard setting. That is enough. God bless Olly Reed and thank God for films as epic as this.
Man, yeah, I feel you on this. I saw this film several times as a child, but I saw a lot of films several times as a child, and Sykes is definitely the number one villain I recall. Made such a deep impression on me. I think it’s his eyes… the way they stare. Haunting!
The part where he clobbered Nancy was really disturbing. I bugged me and gave the movie the cherry on top for pushing it that one bit over the line. It was worse because you didn't see it.
I didn't know the story of Oliver Twist when I was a kid but when he chases Nancy through the streets right before he kills her I knew she didn't stand a chance. what a great performance.
Addendum: The Actress who played Nancy, Shani Wallis, recalled in the scene where Bill Syskes strikes Nancy in the "yes she will Fagin" "no she won't Fagin" scene, Reed did not actually hit her, but his motion was so powerful it was like he had or was about to and so she fell and actually badly banged herself. She said that he was able to get that sort of reaction out of her like that, in one shot, was a testimony to what a fantastic actor Oliver Reed was.
I watched that scene a hundred times. As someone who has brief experience in stage performance what Oliver Reed did was a classic knap. The camera is only going to permit what we're allowed to see. The angle is what creates the illusion he made contact with Nancy at least to the naked eye. But an experience ld eye is looking for flaws and you can he never touch her and she on queue act like she received the strike. In boxing, they identify a fixed fight if a "phantom punch" was observed.
He was considered to play Alex in A Clockwork Orange and though McDowell nailed it would had been interesting seeing Reed's portrayal of the character.
cant beat the silent menace, not laffing when others laff, not smiling then others smile, not saying hello when others say hello, not shaking a hand when prompted. just a cold silent death stair. all these things are highly unnerving. its like meeting a wild animal. i remember seeing in interviews decades after the child actors all saying thay were genuinly scared of him lol
One thing he didn’t notice that makes him look big is that even though his coat is huge they made the sleeves to short which subtly makes him look huge.
Great overview. Oliver Reed stole every scene in this movie. Imagine the pitch for this to the studio- Its about child exploitation, a brutal psychopath oh and it’s a musical… Oliver delivered the sense of menace and brooding dangerous intensity that literally darkened the screen. IMO he would have made a brilliant James Bond taking that sense of menace and making the character much more real.
He was indeed a lovely generous chap, lived in Guernsey, Bah I’m a bean, but forgive him, great actor,personality, gent and liked a bevvy… 🌹#RIP Oliver Reed , sadly missed
@@seanfitzgerald8575 So did Steve McQueen. In fact, in "Bullitt", McQueen requested that the other actors had more lines and he just acted with his look/eyes.
Bill terrified me as a child the same way the character Chigurh (No Country for Old Men) terrified me as an adult. Both had no feelings. Cold like the terminator.
This used to be shown on prime time tv in the UK every Christmas when we had just 3 channels to choose from, so it naturally was essential viewing for people of my generation. I watch it every Christmas time now too on dvd, previously on vhs, and always enjoy it for the great film that it is as well as for nostalgic/sentimental reasons. It's a real shame the younger generations seem to refuse to appreciate classic cinema and will only watch films that are based on old tv series, remakes of remakes, films based on video games(?), special effects extravaganzas. And yes, Ollie Reed was brilliant in this film and I stand by my opinion that, much as I admire Alec Guinness' portrayal of Fagin in 'Oliver Twist' (1948), Ron Moody is the the best screen Fagin that I've ever seen. Anyone who hasn't seen this, go and buy a copy, snuggle down in your sofa and enjoy a great, entertaining film. Then read the book by Charles Dickens.
A truly excellent video. Thoughtful and well-researched. Oliver Reed ranks as one of the scariest movie villains of any portrayed on film. I would only rank him a hair below Javier Bardem's take as Anton Chigurh in "No Country For Old Men." Absolutely masterful turn by Reed. Thank you so very much for this beautifully-produced nod to this performance and the musical in whole.
Oliver Reed was a great actor. Even in films like The System, The Devils, The Brood and Gladiator. The Devils, Reed was cheated out of an Oscar and a Bafta.
@@gorgeousgambler I have to go and find that. Even Nicolas Roeg's Castaway he is great. Its a shame that the chat shows exploit like Aspel and co. Damaged his repetition.
Fantastic vid. Oliver Reed was AMAZING in this. He used his eyes better than any other actor. Did you know? A young Jim Davidson nearly got a main part in this.
Oliver Reed was and still is in the top 10 greatest actors of all time. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks, this guy deserved an Oscar for this role, he was amazing. The first scene you see him in is my personal favorite, not a word spoken but it’s perfect because he doesn’t need to speak, he says plenty with body language. Reed is a national treasure, I would’ve loved to see him and Anthony Hopkins in the same film, it would’ve won every damn award you could think of. Love this guy I thought he was great in every role he did, including gladiator he was perfect in that movie
I saw this first run in a local movie theater back in 1968. Bill Sikes scared the hell out of me. I wasn't easily impressed as a child, more like bored usually, but his screen impression stayed with me for years and became a classic thing in my mind. I have since re-seen the movie as an adult, and he is just as amazing each time. The part of Nancy is beautifully played, too---the intertwining of the two characters and their brutal romance is utterly scarring and tragic as it builds. I remember loving her character as a little girl, and feeling her loss very keenly when he killed that brave woman and you saw her booted feet on the ground afterward, splayed out and motionless.
18:35. One of the most scariest scenes with Bill Sikes is when he threatens Fagin by grabbing him by the throat. If you have a good knowledge of Jews and the Jewish religion, you know why this scene is terrifying. Sikes holds him up and specifically mentions Chickens to him, because he is threatening to cut his throat open with his cutthroat knife and strangle him. Fagin as a Jew is highly likely to actually be familiar with this sound because of the religious tradition in his community known as the Kapparot. In which Hasidic Ultra Orthodox Jews sacrifice Chickens after holding them up by the wings, praying their sins go into it, before cutting open its throat and wringing off its head in a ritualistic kosher slaughter. Sikes knows Fagin is very familiar with this ceremony, even though as a non-Hasidic Jew, he has not actually ever done or witnessed it. This is why Fagin immediately warns Dodger and then sings Reviewing The Situation after this scene. Bill's threat in this scene was particularly terrifying for him.
Wow I had no knowledge of the chicken ceremony, thank you! The scene actually makes a lot more sense, since it's not like any of these characters are farmers and if a single chicken lived around there I didn't see it.
Oliver Reed was an actor's actor. The very first time I saw this as a kid in the 70's, Oliver Reed's appearance made me think two things nearly simultaneously: this guy's a right monster, thank goodness he's just a fictional character. I used to wonder if such a man existed in real life, what a horror he might be.
Oliver Reed was a very scary looking man, all rough, big and ready but with a touch of an unhinged kinda vibe. Bill was just a tyrant with no reemdemable qualities so Oliver carries it off beautifully.
Sykes dog was called Bullseye and his real name was Butch and was the pet of Cindy Sharville who runs Animals Galore, a company that trains and supplies animals for films, television, theatre and advertising. I've never seen a bad performance from Oliver Reed and this was one of his best, perfect for the part. The way he rough handles Mark Lester always amazes me, he didn't hold back, am sure Mark must have had some bruises after filming.
have you seen "The King and I"? I'm not into romance but I watched this movie and was stunned by how beautiful the set, costumes and cinematography were.
@@bqgin I might have to watch that. I tend to enjoy movies from the 50s-70s moreso than anything afterwards because they weren't as politically charged or tried to force some ham-handed message down the audience's throat, though maybe It's just because I tend to agree with 50s sentiments more?
In the film version, Bill Sykes does NOT sing, instead his entrance and main theme is called “My Name.” in every scene he’s in. In the West End version, Bill Sykes had one main song called “My Name.” with Bill menacingly terrorising everyone about who he is and what he will do/did to anyone who crosses his path. Looking back at this after watching the London stage Production, Bill's music is called "My Name." when he is around. Because in the stage production, he arrives at the start at the start of Act 2 and if you type that into TH-cam, listen to the song and then watch this clip, you can sing Bill's tune.
This is one of the greatest screen character analysis that I ever listened to . I will now appreciate the Bill Sykes character nuances as played by Oliver Reed. Thank you for the expert character review. I will be back for more.
Saw this movie when it came out first. Still have memories of it 52 years later. Looking at it here I can't believe how visually beautiful it is. It's a true classic.
Absolutely magical movie. God bless my mother for sitting me down and making me watch this movie as a child. I still watch it to this day (I'm now 47), and it's in my top 10 favourite movies. The acting is excellent. The songs are excellent. I can't say enough good things about this film. I also have a few other film versions of Oliver Twist, as well as a TV series.
I’m exactly the same watch Oliver Twist every Christmas 🎄 my favourite movie dodger fagien Nancy sikes are best actors that carried the all decade best made movie ever 🏆💫💕🎄
I always loved this movie and Sykes was truly terrifying. He always made me scared when I was on screen and he grounds the movie in the social commentary of Dickens - namely that the Criminals are hard, violent, desperate, nasty but also come from abused, deprived backgrounds. Unlike in the book, Fagin is something of a hero as he may be a fence but he actually cares for his boys and seems to value stolen goods from the wealthy not just for their money value but for their looks. Sykes however tells you what would really go on. He's also scary as he's an abusive parent and he's like a lot of people in the real world, and helps warn kids watching what to look out for and to avoid. Oliver Reed was a vastly underappreciated actor. He always brought presence and skill to any role he played.
Only watched it last month and Reed left a lasting impression as Bill Sykes. Be it from terror or admiration, this is a Bill Sykes whom commands respect.
I am SO FREAKING HAPPY that you made this. I'm 25 in November and I still have this in my movie collection. I have always loved this film and even played Oliver in my own drama troop when I was younger. This was the first version of Oliver Twist I seen and his character absolutely horrified me. I think it's an absolute masterpiece. Your breakdown is great. Love the way you put my feelings whilst watching these films into word. Thank you. 😁
I saw this movie on HBO back in the 80's and it's still my favorite today. I also have the soundtrack and still sing along to the songs today. ❤️ Losing Oliver Reed was our great loss. I never feared him in this role because of Shani's love for him. I felt sad for him. I feared the Work House. Those poor boys.
I LOVE this movie, I have a painted picture of Dodger directly from this movie. We saw it in a little shop when I was young and there was no question my mom was buying it. It’s awesome to see a review. I haven’t seen it in years and I remember all of it. Thanks!
Yes Oliver Reed's is the best. The second place would go to the Sykes of the 1948 Oliver Twist. The actors name escapes me. But I think he was the one who played Long John Silver?
There is a clip on TH-cam of Reed teaching someone how to act as a villain, and speaking very quietly in a hushed soft tone as in his opinion this was more menacing than shouting because he disliked shouting
You did a great job explaining the aspects of control Bill needs to feel safe in his environment, and how that precarious tension is maintained by the character. His contradictions, refusing to reveal his actual feelings but then chiding his GF for thinking he doesn't love her are both sweet and deeply abusive. Sad story.
You nailed it with this video. A lot of details I knew but never noticed in context. This movie came out when I was 10. I was so enthralled I saw it over and over and my poor brother had to go with me. We still joke about it.
(spoilers) I saw this when I was 9 years old at a plush newly built state of the art theatre in big bold 70mm (albeit a blow up) and 6-track stereo sound. The film was magical but the brutal death of Nancy stunned the hell out of me. The scene is so disturbing because its done off screen with just sounds and grunting screams that leave the viewers imagination to fill in the rest. Her moving legs after the murder is unsettling. The fact that the character is actually still alive after being bludgeon that many times. I think it is this scene and the scene of Sikes dangling dead body hanging that keeps this musical from being as popular as The Wizard of Oz or The Sound of Music. I recently ran the blu-ray of OLIVER! to someone who had never seen it. Afterwards he was ready to get up and walk out. He said, "that film is just TOO DARK". Whenever I hear that I say, "that's the book".
.........Bill Sykes is as close to a CINEMATIC BOOGEYMAN as it gets. Complete with facial scar. Nothing gets past him. Another astounding acting job from Oliver Reed.
So I just watched this on Blu-Ray after seeing your analysis. I first saw this movie in 1981 in 5th grade , the school I was attending showed it around Christmas over the span of 3 days on a 35 mm print. Over those 3 days I fell in love with Nancy and when Sikes murdered her, I was absolutely devastated. I still feel the same way today as I approach my 50's. Oliver! is an amazing and frightening film. I saw Popeye around the same time and while not as intense I still think it's one of the best musicals along with My Fair Lady. Gosh I'm rambling but that's what happens when you get drunk and watch musicals I guess. Well thank you for all of your great videos Rob. :)
I first watch this gem of a film at age 7, and I cried myself to sleep over Nancy for 4 months!! And that hole, that smoldering crater, in my heart still hasn't healed... It is because of Nancy's unconscionable murder that I am now writing a re-write of "Oliver Twist" - a modernization in which the main characters are all high-school-age computer hackers who pick much, MUCH deeper pockets with their iPhones and tablets and laptops. And my 16-year-old Nancy Anne Wallis LIVES and finds true love at story's end! I don't rest until THIS re-write of THIS tragedy is accepted, published, and shared with the world!! ❤️
Oliver Reed's only song "My Name" was cut from the finished film, officially because the producers decided that Bill Sikes should not sing, but also allegedly because there was concern over the quality of Reed's singing voice. Defintely a good thing I think. Sikes singing doesn't make him sinister.
agreed. i prefer the film over the stage production. on stage "Oom Pah Pah" opens Act 2 and then it's done, the story moves on. in the film the song is saved as a means for Nancy to rescue Oliver under Sikes's watchful eye. much more effective.
This movie reminds me a little bit of the 1971 musical version of "A Christmas Carol". The sets in that are amazing - London really feels like a place you could visit there.
Do you mean Scrooge (1970) ? Because that used the same sets from Oliver! (1968) And both flms were photographed by Oscar winning Cinematographer Oswald Morris B.S.C.
have a freebie, i heard Oliver Reed on the radio say this, the scene where Nancy says, ' oh you do love me, don't you bill?' Reed ad libed ' course I do, fucks ya dont I ?' in the original/ first (unusable) take, he had the character nailed !
Excellent video. Oliver Reed is superb in this film. I believe his cane is a Shillelagh, rather than just a cane. I always liked that. We used to have a couple of decorative Shillelagh's. I like it because to me they kind of represent a brutishness, which contrasts with the gentlemanly impression they're trying to be, despite being incredibly poor. Monk uses one in Gangs of New Yorks as well.
Thank you for pointing out the tricks and illusion they did to make Oliver Reed seem tall - I always thought he was a big man, at least 6'2" but I was wrong. Reed is the ultimate bad boy creep in this role - my favorite interpretation of Bill Sikes.
This guy was my introduction into how evil people can be. Also how can people have not seen this film? I was born in 92 and watched it as a kid but I also read the book and watched this version of Oliver in English class, along with Educating Rita, Great Expectations etc. What are they showing kids these days if not classics like this?
Only in later years did I come across the Bill Sykes song, ‘My name’. And it’s great. However, I don’t think Oliver Reed’s character would have appeared as intimidating as it did had they added the song to this film.
Bill Sikes villain and victim. First saw this movie as a child. A lot was lost on me. Love Fagin and Dodger. Plus so many more. Like you say so many fantastic characters. Bill Sikes is absolutely a great fab villain played by a fantastic actor. This is my favourite version of Oliver (and Oliver Twist...watched many versions of the films). Love this film. Love the story. It's actually my favourite musical. Don't care about the actors not looking the actual character ages one bit. Love the costumes, set, characters, songs - fantastic. As an adult I've really felt in the last handful of years for Bill and Nancy. You have the young lads who will possibly become a Bill, male Nancy (kinder) or at a push a Fagin. Bill shows a peep into where the exploited boys will end up... Oliver escapes. Bill was once one of those boys (e.g. a young dodger), trained/learnt his craft by Fagin then at some point decided he wouldn't just hand over all his "earnings" to Fagin, but Fagin would have to pay if he wanted things... Bill no longer exploited, but too far gone I guess. Wiser, no longer handing over everything to Fagin for free, no longer grateful/singing praises to Fagin (not that we know what he was like as a boy). Now it's Bill's craft, career, life....then he's killed. Trained, taught what to do by an elder (an elder who should teach right from wrong and raise) and then Bill's killed (not excusing his own behaviour), but just the tragic journey. Side note: Mentioned before praise from the boys. The boys sing in the film about how kind, grateful they are to Fagin, how they'd do anything for him and even hang for him....oh that gets me so much. So grateful to be taken in, shown affection, "treated with respect like adults" etc. Wish Dickens had wrote a backstory for Bill, but it's no doubt similar to the boys plus extras into adulthood and whatever came before then when Bill was a baby, a young child and how he came under the "care" of his elder Fagin. How he changed, how they all changed. I want a few back stories in fact lol. Thought about Bill and Nancy's back story for some time. At one point Fagin trained up Nancy as a pick pocket too. Bill's story as well as showing the story of a villain (and such a horrible person) is also so tragic for Bill (and those he collides with). Makes me think about the first villain in the TV series "The Mill" too. His line something on the lines of "This is all I know, please don't chuck me out/send me away, it's my home, all I know and I haven't ever done anything to anyone that wasn't done to me", really got me and made me see that villain differently from that point too.
Reed wasn't even nominated for an Oscar. He should have won for best supporting actor, but I think he played the role so menacingly and his character so repulsively that he was passed over by the academy. His own dog turned against him! That's harsh.
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A couple of minor errors in the narration (wrote and narrated this video rapidly between other projects). I accidentally called Charles Dickens ... Charles Dickenson and called the dog Bulldog instead of Bullseye. But those name errors have no effect on the subject at hand - analysis of Reed's version of Bill Sykes himself - so no need to moan about those two verbal slipups as i'm already aware of them. If you have disagreements about the breakdown of Sykes I'm glad to hear them. Cheers folks.
First time I watched this video, about 3 years ago, I heard you say Bulldog and that made me question my own knowledge. I think I queued up the movie and I was pretty sure, but still not certain because I’m American and languages that it was Bullseye. Not a criticism, it’s just I noticed it back then. Good job mate! I’ve been on an Oliver Reed kick lately so this video got put back in my feed. I loved this movie especially because of the Bill Sykes character. Good job mate, love your videos.
@@Franco1395 thought it was another mandella effect nightmare. huge sigh of relief
Lol I was literally about to come at you with "it's fuckin bullseye!!" So I'm glad I caught this beforehand haha
Thank goodness you sorted that out! I was about to write a tirade! (Not really)
Good video. Always liked olly reed. But you mention about the scar on his face. He was attacked in a night club in the early 60s by 2 blokes that he got in to a heated chat with at the bar. He want to the toilet and the 2 blokes were in there with broken bottles. His words to them were "come to help me have a pee have you!" The rest is history. He did however nearly lose his acting career due to the scars on his face.
An error in the narration. I call his pet "Bulldog" for some reason in the first half of the vid then remembered later he's called "Bullseye".
phew, i thought the mandela effect was real for a minute there.
@@MacStoker I was about to call the cops man.
You also signed your name Riob at the start mate. Just a heads up.
I didn't even notice till you mentioned it.
@@eleccy Riob is my cousin. He fills in for me sometimes ;)
When I first saw this film as a kid, Sykes was utterly terrifying. Brutal, heavy, dark and you felt like he meant it. Perhaps it was because Olly Reed was a drinker, and his erratic menace was real, maybe it’s because he is a great actor. Probably a combo of the two. Either way, it doesn’t matter, the performance is ferocious, indelible and standard setting. That is enough. God bless Olly Reed and thank God for films as epic as this.
Man, yeah, I feel you on this. I saw this film several times as a child, but I saw a lot of films several times as a child, and Sykes is definitely the number one villain I recall. Made such a deep impression on me. I think it’s his eyes… the way they stare. Haunting!
Usually the greatest performances are actors expressing an aspect of themselves to the fullest. Pain can be a great source of inspiration.
Yes, Oliver Reed is the best onscreen Bill Sykes, the most terrifying, and yet attractive enough to make us understand Nancy's tragic love.
It was his eyes that made him so terrifying. His eyes were so intense. No one else could play this part. R.I.P to one of the greats
He scared the shit out of me as a kid. Brilliant villain.
The part where he clobbered Nancy was really disturbing. I bugged me and gave the movie the cherry on top for pushing it that one bit over the line. It was worse because you didn't see it.
Gave me nightmares
@@infinitesimotel yeah, he wound up murdering Nancy.
@@infinitesimotel: It was that way in the Newton version. The dog was shivering with fright, too. I'll have to check out this version.
I didn't know the story of Oliver Twist when I was a kid but when he chases Nancy through the streets right before he kills her I knew she didn't stand a chance. what a great performance.
Addendum: The Actress who played Nancy, Shani Wallis, recalled in the scene where Bill Syskes strikes Nancy in the "yes she will Fagin" "no she won't Fagin" scene, Reed did not actually hit her, but his motion was so powerful it was like he had or was about to and so she fell and actually badly banged herself. She said that he was able to get that sort of reaction out of her like that, in one shot, was a testimony to what a fantastic actor Oliver Reed was.
Oh he didn't actually hit her. Well I never.....
I watched that scene a hundred times. As someone who has brief experience in stage performance what Oliver Reed did was a classic knap. The camera is only going to permit what we're allowed to see. The angle is what creates the illusion he made contact with Nancy at least to the naked eye. But an experience ld eye is looking for flaws and you can he never touch her and she on queue act like she received the strike. In boxing, they identify a fixed fight if a "phantom punch" was observed.
This is the best on-screen rendition of Oliver Twist, in my opinion.
Absolutely. 2005 version is visually stunning but overall is my least favourite Polanski movie.
The 1948 adaptation by David Lean is also great. But it had the major flaw of a "Jewfaced" Fagin(played by Sir Alex Guinness).
Oh Yeh, without question, you are spot on.
Agreed!!
absolutely. so well done.
Even as a kid, I could tell that Reed's portrayal of Bill was special. He was this hulking, menacing shadow throughout the film.
He was considered to play Alex in A Clockwork Orange and though McDowell nailed it would had been interesting seeing Reed's portrayal of the character.
cant beat the silent menace, not laffing when others laff, not smiling then others smile, not saying hello when others say hello, not shaking a hand when prompted. just a cold silent death stair. all these things are highly unnerving. its like meeting a wild animal. i remember seeing in interviews decades after the child actors all saying thay were genuinly scared of him lol
YES!!! Bill Sikes as played by Oliver Reed is a damn MONSTER! This performance should serve as the Platonic Ideal of intimidation!
Absolutly
Yeah ......he didn't need to sing!!! In the stage musical version Bill had a song(you can hear the music as he immerged from the shadow).
Oliver Reed was a stunning man , just beautiful.
One thing he didn’t notice that makes him look big is that even though his coat is huge they made the sleeves to short which subtly makes him look huge.
First reply!
It's genius! Didn't even realize that it was on purpose.
Great overview.
Oliver Reed stole every scene in this movie. Imagine the pitch for this to the studio- Its about child exploitation, a brutal psychopath oh and it’s a musical…
Oliver delivered the sense of menace and brooding dangerous intensity that literally darkened the screen.
IMO he would have made a brilliant James Bond taking that sense of menace and making the character much more real.
Reed as Bond ... wish that would have happened, even if for just one instalment in the series.
Oliver Reed is one of my favorite actors. He had a great ability to bring so much emotion to his roles. Adore him. RIP
Oliver was a handsome devil of a man.
This film is well known amongst everyone. It's not forgotten.
The dog's name is Bullseye. I've seen the movie and read the book many times. Oliver Reed and Tim Curry are in a photo finish for the best portrayal.
I love Tim Curry - but Oliver Reeds slays the character.
I also liked Robert Loggia's performance too.
Watched this every christmas as a kid. Brilliant film
Nobody has done vicious, brooding masculinity on the screen like Oliver Reed. He had a real nasty vibe about him. Wonderful actor.
He was indeed a lovely generous chap, lived in Guernsey, Bah I’m a bean, but forgive him, great actor,personality, gent and liked a bevvy… 🌹#RIP Oliver Reed , sadly missed
For me he was like #Brando and Dean he was centre stage and could have been a mega star😖😔😔 sad loss 🌹
@@seanfitzgerald8575 So did Steve McQueen. In fact, in "Bullitt", McQueen requested that the other actors had more lines and he just acted with his look/eyes.
Bill terrified me as a child the same way the character Chigurh (No Country for Old Men) terrified me as an adult. Both had no feelings. Cold like the terminator.
Wow, imagine if Oliver played Chigurh, or a character like him? How interesting would that have been!
Yea but I also thought he was cool 😂
I was never convinced that Reed and Winters didn't get along in that interview - I think they were both playing a role, to great effect.
LOVE THIS! Oliver Reed was TERRIFYING!
This used to be shown on prime time tv in the UK every Christmas when we had just 3 channels to choose from, so it naturally was essential viewing for people of my generation. I watch it every Christmas time now too on dvd, previously on vhs, and always enjoy it for the great film that it is as well as for nostalgic/sentimental reasons.
It's a real shame the younger generations seem to refuse to appreciate classic cinema and will only watch films that are based on old tv series, remakes of remakes, films based on video games(?), special effects extravaganzas.
And yes, Ollie Reed was brilliant in this film and I stand by my opinion that, much as I admire Alec Guinness' portrayal of Fagin in 'Oliver Twist' (1948), Ron Moody is the the best screen Fagin that I've ever seen.
Anyone who hasn't seen this, go and buy a copy, snuggle down in your sofa and enjoy a great, entertaining film. Then read the book by Charles Dickens.
I agree with all that you said. I'm still waiting for Oliver to return to the big screen again so that it can be seen in all it's glory.
A truly excellent video. Thoughtful and well-researched. Oliver Reed ranks as one of the scariest movie villains of any portrayed on film. I would only rank him a hair below Javier Bardem's take as Anton Chigurh in "No Country For Old Men." Absolutely masterful turn by Reed. Thank you so very much for this beautifully-produced nod to this performance and the musical in whole.
My first film star crush 👀 brilliant film in my top 5 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
So well said, this film is a masterpiece and can hold its weight with any film and shouldn't be just pigeon holed as a musical.
agreed. it's presented as a compelling story as well with a suspenseful climax that was brilliantly done by director Carol Reed. bravo!
Oliver Reed was a great actor. Even in films like The System, The Devils, The Brood and Gladiator. The Devils, Reed was cheated out of an Oscar and a Bafta.
'The Devils' totally freaked me out when I saw it in theater. Good God... Ken Russell was a genius film director, but this one gave me nightmares.
Watch The Damned. He's epic.
@@gorgeousgambler I have to go and find that. Even Nicolas Roeg's Castaway he is great. Its a shame that the chat shows exploit like Aspel and co. Damaged his repetition.
Or even The Brood, such a bad film but a great performance from Reed
@@tomsheppard378 The Brood is an intelligent horror film with great performance from Oliver Reed.
This film scared the bejesus out of me when I was a kid.
Fagin scared me when I first saw this
agreed. I was traumatized for weeks over Nancy's murder.
Thank you so much for making that video. Only because I have seen it, I watched the movie. It was awesome. Oliver Reed was awesome as Sykes.
ikr
"They squawks Fagin..They Squawks!"
Never forgot that from the moment I saw it when I was eight.
Fantastic vid. Oliver Reed was AMAZING in this. He used his eyes better than any other actor. Did you know? A young Jim Davidson nearly got a main part in this.
Fantastic film incredible set brilliant cast and Olly nailed it ...
I love this, I must have watched it like 20 times, I Love Oliver, one of my faves. Bill is great also, Oliver Reed was such a character.
Oliver Reed was and still is in the top 10 greatest actors of all time. I don’t care what anyone says or thinks, this guy deserved an Oscar for this role, he was amazing. The first scene you see him in is my personal favorite, not a word spoken but it’s perfect because he doesn’t need to speak, he says plenty with body language. Reed is a national treasure, I would’ve loved to see him and Anthony Hopkins in the same film, it would’ve won every damn award you could think of. Love this guy I thought he was great in every role he did, including gladiator he was perfect in that movie
Oliver Reed Is a God of Acting and drinking He’s interviews when he is totally under the influence ....Classic
In my opinion, this is the best version
I saw this first run in a local movie theater back in 1968. Bill Sikes scared the hell out of me. I wasn't easily impressed as a child, more like bored usually, but his screen impression stayed with me for years and became a classic thing in my mind. I have since re-seen the movie as an adult, and he is just as amazing each time. The part of Nancy is beautifully played, too---the intertwining of the two characters and their brutal romance is utterly scarring and tragic as it builds. I remember loving her character as a little girl, and feeling her loss very keenly when he killed that brave woman and you saw her booted feet on the ground afterward, splayed out and motionless.
18:35.
One of the most scariest scenes with Bill Sikes is when he threatens Fagin by grabbing him by the throat.
If you have a good knowledge of Jews and the Jewish religion, you know why this scene is terrifying. Sikes holds him up and specifically mentions Chickens to him, because he is threatening to cut his throat open with his cutthroat knife and strangle him.
Fagin as a Jew is highly likely to actually be familiar with this sound because of the religious tradition in his community known as the Kapparot. In which Hasidic Ultra Orthodox Jews sacrifice Chickens after holding them up by the wings, praying their sins go into it, before cutting open its throat and wringing off its head in a ritualistic kosher slaughter.
Sikes knows Fagin is very familiar with this ceremony, even though as a non-Hasidic Jew, he has not actually ever done or witnessed it.
This is why Fagin immediately warns Dodger and then sings Reviewing The Situation after this scene. Bill's threat in this scene was particularly terrifying for him.
Wow I had no knowledge of the chicken ceremony, thank you! The scene actually makes a lot more sense, since it's not like any of these characters are farmers and if a single chicken lived around there I didn't see it.
Oliver Reed was an actor's actor. The very first time I saw this as a kid in the 70's, Oliver Reed's appearance made me think two things nearly simultaneously: this guy's a right monster, thank goodness he's just a fictional character. I used to wonder if such a man existed in real life, what a horror he might be.
Men much like Sikes existed then and they certainly do exist today. Hopefully you never meet one.
Oliver Reed was a very scary looking man, all rough, big and ready but with a touch of an unhinged kinda vibe. Bill was just a tyrant with no reemdemable qualities so Oliver carries it off beautifully.
Sykes dog was called Bullseye and his real name was Butch and was the pet of Cindy Sharville who runs Animals Galore, a company that trains and supplies animals for films, television, theatre and advertising. I've never seen a bad performance from Oliver Reed and this was one of his best, perfect for the part. The way he rough handles Mark Lester always amazes me, he didn't hold back, am sure Mark must have had some bruises after filming.
oliver reed was a great legend and perfected the role of sikes.
Oliver and Blues Brothers are the only Musicals I can tolerate, in fact I love both of them.
have you seen "The King and I"? I'm not into romance but I watched this movie and was stunned by how beautiful the set, costumes and cinematography were.
@@bqgin I might have to watch that. I tend to enjoy movies from the 50s-70s moreso than anything afterwards because they weren't as politically charged or tried to force some ham-handed message down the audience's throat, though maybe It's just because I tend to agree with 50s sentiments more?
BirdyLegs what sexism and racism
What about films like "Mary Poppins" or "Bedknobs and Broomsticks"?
“Fiddler on the Roof”?
Great film great songs great characters I never get bored watching this film!!!
Me too 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🏆
In the film version, Bill Sykes does NOT sing, instead his entrance and main theme is called “My Name.” in every scene he’s in.
In the West End version, Bill Sykes had one main song called “My Name.” with Bill menacingly terrorising everyone about who he is and what he will do/did to anyone who crosses his path.
Looking back at this after watching the London stage Production, Bill's music is called "My Name." when he is around.
Because in the stage production, he arrives at the start at the start of Act 2 and if you type that into TH-cam, listen to the song and then watch this clip, you can sing Bill's tune.
This is one of the greatest screen character analysis that I ever listened to . I will now appreciate the Bill Sykes character nuances as played by Oliver Reed. Thank you for the expert character review. I will be back for more.
The thing with the dog representing Bill with the scars, spot on
Yes , you nailed it..and yet he was an attractive character. How complex
Saw this movie when it came out first. Still have memories of it 52 years later. Looking at it here I can't believe how visually beautiful it is. It's a true classic.
Am I the only one who thinks huge side burns and side bends is like the hottest thing ever?
Absolutely magical movie. God bless my mother for sitting me down and making me watch this movie as a child. I still watch it to this day (I'm now 47), and it's in my top 10 favourite movies. The acting is excellent. The songs are excellent. I can't say enough good things about this film. I also have a few other film versions of Oliver Twist, as well as a TV series.
not just one of the best musicals but one of the best films - it's compelling story also holds intrigue and suspense - especially for a musical.
I’m exactly the same watch Oliver Twist every Christmas 🎄 my favourite movie dodger fagien Nancy sikes are best actors that carried the all decade best made movie ever 🏆💫💕🎄
Rob, thanks for turning me on to Oliver Reed! What a phenomenal actor and man
I always loved this movie and Sykes was truly terrifying. He always made me scared when I was on screen and he grounds the movie in the social commentary of Dickens - namely that the Criminals are hard, violent, desperate, nasty but also come from abused, deprived backgrounds. Unlike in the book, Fagin is something of a hero as he may be a fence but he actually cares for his boys and seems to value stolen goods from the wealthy not just for their money value but for their looks. Sykes however tells you what would really go on. He's also scary as he's an abusive parent and he's like a lot of people in the real world, and helps warn kids watching what to look out for and to avoid. Oliver Reed was a vastly underappreciated actor. He always brought presence and skill to any role he played.
Fagin is not a hero what are you talking about
One of the best character introductions of all time. Both Sikes and Nancy.
agreed. Sykes strolls in with the shadow and Nancy stands in the background observing.
great shot and such a well made film.
Very true both top level actors 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼💫
@@haintedhouse2990 I totally agree 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🏆🌹
Only watched it last month and Reed left a lasting impression as Bill Sykes. Be it from terror or admiration, this is a Bill Sykes whom commands respect.
I am SO FREAKING HAPPY that you made this. I'm 25 in November and I still have this in my movie collection. I have always loved this film and even played Oliver in my own drama troop when I was younger. This was the first version of Oliver Twist I seen and his character absolutely horrified me. I think it's an absolute masterpiece. Your breakdown is great. Love the way you put my feelings whilst watching these films into word. Thank you. 😁
I love Oliver reed as an actor and it is so sad he died but he terrified me so much as sikes remains the scariest character ever
Thank you! Always loved this film and Mr. Reed.
I remember seeing this as a four year old and never forgot the whole production; and I will never forget Oliver Reed.
I saw this movie on HBO back in the 80's and it's still my favorite today. I also have the soundtrack and still sing along to the songs today. ❤️ Losing Oliver Reed was our great loss. I never feared him in this role because of Shani's love for him. I felt sad for him. I feared the Work House. Those poor boys.
Amazing film, amazing actor. The death scene with Nancy still haunts me today.
I LOVE this movie, I have a painted picture of Dodger directly from this movie. We saw it in a little shop when I was young and there was no question my mom was buying it. It’s awesome to see a review. I haven’t seen it in years and I remember all of it. Thanks!
Saw this movie in grade/elementary school. It's always stuck with me.
Oliver Reed is fantastic both here and in Lion of the Desert (as well as being a genuine badass in interviews). Thanks for making this review.
He legit scarred me when I used to watch this when I was younger.
I once played this role on stage and borrowed from Ollie here, and his acting class on TH-cam. The man is a true legend.
Olly Reed was always reluctant to talk about Bill Sykes after, like he disowned the part, but it was the part that made him.
I had forgotten how excellent this movie is. Now I can’t wait to watch it again! Thanks Rob!
I am 27 and my mom actually chose this movie for family movie night and I loved it!! I even have inspirations for my own graphic novel works.
Having seen many versions of Oliver Twist, I would say that Oliver Reed by far gave the best performance as Bill Sikes!
Yes Oliver Reed's is the best. The second place would go to the Sykes of the 1948 Oliver Twist. The actors name escapes me. But I think he was the one who played Long John Silver?
There is a clip on TH-cam of Reed teaching someone how to act as a villain, and speaking very quietly in a hushed soft tone as in his opinion this was more menacing than shouting because he disliked shouting
You did a great job explaining the aspects of control Bill needs to feel safe in his environment, and how that precarious tension is maintained by the character. His contradictions, refusing to reveal his actual feelings but then chiding his GF for thinking he doesn't love her are both sweet and deeply abusive. Sad story.
You nailed it with this video. A lot of details I knew but never noticed in context. This movie came out when I was 10. I was so enthralled I saw it over and over and my poor brother had to go with me. We still joke about it.
Same. Didn't notice the scars until he pointed it out.
(spoilers) I saw this when I was 9 years old at a plush newly built state of the art theatre in big bold 70mm (albeit a blow up) and 6-track stereo sound. The film was magical but the brutal death of Nancy stunned the hell out of me. The scene is so disturbing because its done off screen with just sounds and grunting screams that leave the viewers imagination to fill in the rest. Her moving legs after the murder is unsettling. The fact that the character is actually still alive after being bludgeon that many times. I think it is this scene and the scene of Sikes dangling dead body hanging that keeps this musical from being as popular as The Wizard of Oz or The Sound of Music. I recently ran the blu-ray of OLIVER! to someone who had never seen it. Afterwards he was ready to get up and walk out. He said, "that film is just TOO DARK". Whenever I hear that I say, "that's the book".
this is one of the few movies I had as a kid and I would watch it probably a couple times a week.
I saw it in the 70s as a 7 year old. Sikes scared the shit outta me hee hee.
.........Bill Sykes is as close to a CINEMATIC BOOGEYMAN as it gets. Complete with facial scar. Nothing gets past him. Another astounding acting job from Oliver Reed.
So I just watched this on Blu-Ray after seeing your analysis. I first saw this movie in 1981 in 5th grade , the school I was attending showed it around Christmas over the span of 3 days on a 35 mm print. Over those 3 days I fell in love with Nancy and when Sikes murdered her, I was absolutely devastated. I still feel the same way today as I approach my 50's. Oliver! is an amazing and frightening film. I saw Popeye around the same time and while not as intense I still think it's one of the best musicals along with My Fair Lady. Gosh I'm rambling but that's what happens when you get drunk and watch musicals I guess. Well thank you for all of your great videos Rob. :)
I first watch this gem of a film at age 7, and I cried myself to sleep over Nancy for 4 months!! And that hole, that smoldering crater, in my heart still hasn't healed...
It is because of Nancy's unconscionable murder that I am now writing a re-write of "Oliver Twist" - a modernization in which the main characters are all high-school-age computer hackers who pick much, MUCH deeper pockets with their iPhones and tablets and laptops.
And my 16-year-old Nancy Anne Wallis LIVES and finds true love at story's end!
I don't rest until THIS re-write of THIS tragedy is accepted, published, and shared with the world!! ❤️
Bulls-Eye not Bulldog
It's bullseye as I remember
I was going to say
dont you back answer me my girl three days since i spotted him and what you done about it hey we gotta get hold of him somehow
*a SMOKER S.C.U.M..B.A.G & a DRUNK S.C.U.M..B.A.G.!!!*
Thank you
Oliver Reed's only song "My Name" was cut from the finished film, officially because the producers decided that Bill Sikes should not sing, but also allegedly because there was concern over the quality of Reed's singing voice. Defintely a good thing I think. Sikes singing doesn't make him sinister.
agreed. i prefer the film over the stage production. on stage "Oom Pah Pah" opens Act 2 and then it's done, the story moves on. in the film the song is saved as a means for Nancy to rescue Oliver under Sikes's watchful eye. much more effective.
This movie reminds me a little bit of the 1971 musical version of "A Christmas Carol". The sets in that are amazing - London really feels like a place you could visit there.
Do you mean Scrooge (1970) ? Because that used the same sets from Oliver! (1968) And both flms were photographed by Oscar winning Cinematographer Oswald Morris B.S.C.
From what a gather, a lot of the same crew were used in both films. Honestly some of the best made musicals I've seen!
Ever noticed the Un-synchronization of Bill & his shadow when he emerges in the tunnel?
Yes!
When he first appeared I was reminded of Nosferatu... and yes, noticed the odd shadow sync
it was still a great introduction - Nancy too with her out of focus image in the background - great film making.
I need to rewatch Oliver! Never forgot Bill. Much more intimidating in HD!
Deserved and earned the part indeed having already been a brilliant actor for years prior to this amazing film.
Oliver Reeds performance in The Devils is as good as it gets.
He is such a good actor!!!
Oliver Reed's Bill Sikes gave the movie audience a dark window into Dickens's novel, more so than any other character in the movie musical.
have a freebie, i heard Oliver Reed on the radio say this, the scene where Nancy says, ' oh you do love me, don't you bill?' Reed ad libed ' course I do, fucks ya dont I ?' in the original/ first (unusable) take, he had the character nailed !
Well, that sounds like the kinda thing he'd come out with ! ha
Aw man should have kept that in
Excellent video. Oliver Reed is superb in this film. I believe his cane is a Shillelagh, rather than just a cane. I always liked that. We used to have a couple of decorative Shillelagh's. I like it because to me they kind of represent a brutishness, which contrasts with the gentlemanly impression they're trying to be, despite being incredibly poor. Monk uses one in Gangs of New Yorks as well.
I saw this last night on TCM and this character was the darkest I seen in any classic film.
I first saw it in 1968, and I have never seen a darker character in anything else myself! Oliver Reed was a force of nature.
Thank you for pointing out the tricks and illusion they did to make Oliver Reed seem tall - I always thought he was a big man, at least 6'2" but I was wrong. Reed is the ultimate bad boy creep in this role - my favorite interpretation of Bill Sikes.
100% agree - I thought he was at least 6'2" as well!
Bill doesn't call his dog Bulldog, the dog's name is Bullseye 😂
This guy was my introduction into how evil people can be.
Also how can people have not seen this film? I was born in 92 and watched it as a kid but I also read the book and watched this version of Oliver in English class, along with Educating Rita, Great Expectations etc. What are they showing kids these days if not classics like this?
I think Bill does smile (though very quickly) when he walks past Nancy at the bar.
Only in later years did I come across the Bill Sykes song, ‘My name’. And it’s great. However, I don’t think Oliver Reed’s character would have appeared as intimidating as it did had they added the song to this film.
They made a good call only using the music and not having it sung
Bill Sikes villain and victim.
First saw this movie as a child. A lot was lost on me.
Love Fagin and Dodger. Plus so many more. Like you say so many fantastic characters.
Bill Sikes is absolutely a great fab villain played by a fantastic actor.
This is my favourite version of Oliver (and Oliver Twist...watched many versions of the films).
Love this film.
Love the story.
It's actually my favourite musical.
Don't care about the actors not looking the actual character ages one bit. Love the costumes, set, characters, songs - fantastic.
As an adult I've really felt in the last handful of years for Bill and Nancy.
You have the young lads who will possibly become a Bill, male Nancy (kinder) or at a push a Fagin.
Bill shows a peep into where the exploited boys will end up... Oliver escapes. Bill was once one of those boys (e.g. a young dodger), trained/learnt his craft by Fagin then at some point decided he wouldn't just hand over all his "earnings" to Fagin, but Fagin would have to pay if he wanted things...
Bill no longer exploited, but too far gone I guess. Wiser, no longer handing over everything to Fagin for free, no longer grateful/singing praises to Fagin (not that we know what he was like as a boy). Now it's Bill's craft, career, life....then he's killed. Trained, taught what to do by an elder (an elder who should teach right from wrong and raise) and then Bill's killed (not excusing his own behaviour), but just the tragic journey.
Side note: Mentioned before praise from the boys. The boys sing in the film about how kind, grateful they are to Fagin, how they'd do anything for him and even hang for him....oh that gets me so much. So grateful to be taken in, shown affection, "treated with respect like adults" etc.
Wish Dickens had wrote a backstory for Bill, but it's no doubt similar to the boys plus extras into adulthood and whatever came before then when Bill was a baby, a young child and how he came under the "care" of his elder Fagin. How he changed, how they all changed. I want a few back stories in fact lol.
Thought about Bill and Nancy's back story for some time. At one point Fagin trained up Nancy as a pick pocket too.
Bill's story as well as showing the story of a villain (and such a horrible person) is also so tragic for Bill (and those he collides with).
Makes me think about the first villain in the TV series "The Mill" too. His line something on the lines of "This is all I know, please don't chuck me out/send me away, it's my home, all I know and I haven't ever done anything to anyone that wasn't done to me", really got me and made me see that villain differently from that point too.
Haven't seen this film in over 20 years. I'm definitely going to re watch.
I watche it again yesterday, love it
How interesting, I would have never guessed Reed was only 5 11. He scared the crap out of me as a young kid.
Reed wasn't even nominated for an Oscar. He should have won for best supporting actor, but I think he played the role so menacingly and his character so repulsively that he was passed over by the academy. His own dog turned against him! That's harsh.
Agreed, great villain and brilliantly portrayed.
Andy Serkis and Tom Hardy were alright but no one could pull a sinister stare like Oliver Reed.
I was 10 years old when this film was released---My Mom took me to see it in the cinema. Love that you chose to analyze this film villain.
8:15 what was you writing a book?